NEWS | Fair Game UK Manifesto Launched
Chester FC joined 23 other teams at a prestigious launch in London yesterday calling for a new direction for our national game.
The Blues are one of the founding members of Fair Game, a group of value-driven clubs, supported by 40 world-renowned experts and backed by politicians of all colours.
The government is currently developing policies on how to change the national game as part of Tracey Crouch’s football governance review. Fair Game aim is to help develop the long-term realistic solutions needed.
The details of that vision are outlined in Fair Game’s 48-page manifesto, Putting Pride Back In the Shirt: Fair Game’s Solution for the National Game, which was launched yesterday at Plough Lane, the home of AFC Wimbledon – one of the 23 clubs.
It details solutions to various problems within football, including the owners and directors test, financial sustainability, protecting the heritage of clubs, a fairer distribution of TV revenues, opposing the European Super League, and tackling discrimination.
The document is the result of over six months of hard-work from Fair Game, and follows: ongoing consultation with the clubs, recruitment of global experts, brainstorms, four workshops, nine expert-led working groups, a 66-page options documents, five surveys of clubs, and two open scrutiny sessions.
Blues Director Mike Vickers said: “Fair Game epitomises the values of Chester.
“Football needs far better governance. We need to take sustainability seriously. We need integrity in the football pyramid. And we need to work with our community.
“We can all be rivals for 180 minutes but for the rest of the season we need to come together.
“The pandemic, the European Super League, the demise of Bury and Macclesfield, and the new government review into football, have given us a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the game.
“We need to grasp that. We want Chester to be part of that. And that’s why we’ve joined Fair Game.”
Among those backing the call is the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. He said: “Fair Game’s proposals are exactly what football needs. I’m only too aware of the dangers that exist. We’ve seen the collapse of Bury and the spectre of the ESL. Football is integral to our communities.
“The game needs a reboot. I back the need for an independent regulator, for an Owners and Directors Test that is fit for purpose, and most importantly the protection of the heritage and traditions of our clubs.”
Niall Couper, the Chief Executive Office of Fair Game, added: “Tracey Crouch’s review represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change football for the better. We have to grasp it and we believe our proposals lay that path.
“We want a sport where every fan can put their shirt on in the morning proud in what it stands for, safe in the knowledge that the traditions and heritage of their club will always be there.”
Visit fairgameuk.org for more information.