The final report of the government’s Fan-Led Review has been released with 47 recommendations over ten broad categories and it looks like good news for Carlisle United.
Specifically, an increase in league distribution funding for lower league clubs in the form of a ‘transfer levy’ on Premier League clubs will help all lower leagues to be more financially sustainable.
Greater power is also given to fans in the form of ‘shadow boards’ and a ‘golden share’. The Blues are in a great position to adopt a shadow board due to the current set up of CUOSC and Carlisle United Supporter Groups (CUSG). The Golden Share will ensure fans have veto rights on changes to heritage matters such as club colours, badge and stadium location.
A stronger owners and directors test was recommended to help ensure that clubs have responsible owners and events over recent years such as those at Bury and Macclesfield are not repeated.
Other aspects call for a review of women’s football and improved equality, diversity and inclusion practices.
The findings of the report support the views of CUOSC, the Football Supporters Association (FSA) and the campaign group Fair Game of which CUFC is a member club. They also reflect the views of our fanbase as shown in the answers to our recent questionnaire, which we plan to publish tomorrow.
We hope now that the government adopts the report recommendations as fully as possible.
Mark Middling, a researcher of football finance and governance at Northumbria University, advisor to Fair Game and CUOSC board member commented:
“Today is a great day for football and its fans. We can hopefully look forward to a reformed game where fans’ views are at the forefront of decision making and clubs are run on a sustainable footing. Hopefully, the days of seeing clubs entering administration due to poor management are behind us.”
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