Pressure On To Clean Up The Game - 01/02/03

As increasing numbers of clubs, including famous names like Leeds, fall prey to financial difficulties the pressure is on to clean up the game and give fans more information about what is going on. The Independent Football Commission (IFC), funded by the Premiership, the FA and the Football league, was set up in response to pressure for statutory regulation, giving football a three year breathing space to clean itself up by self-regulation. Unfortunately, self-regulation has never really worked in other walks of life such as financial services as it is too easy to ignore the regulator if it has no real clout.

The IFC has now published its first report and has urged football to tackle the problem of its 'unduly mercenary and uncaring image'. It voices concern over poor communications within the football community, unsatisfactory response times to complaints and delay in receiving information from the football authorities. It points out that complaints procedures are not easy to understand or use and that many fans do not know about them. The report addresses concerns over a fair deal for away fans and supporters buying replica kits and called for a review of ticket refund policies. It is now expected to move on to tougher issues such as the game's financial crisis, the governance of clubs and the FA's opaque stand on financial compliance issues.

Action on rogue directors?

It seems strange that people with criminal records or a history of dubious financial dealings can become directors of football clubs. In some cases, they have proceeded to asset strip the club. Now the FA has revealed that it is considering 'a fit and proper person' test for club directors and owners. It will be a difficult test to frame and many commentators believe that problems such as these can only be solved by a Government-backed independent regulator.