Geoffrey Robinson MP has said that the Labour Party plans to let supporters have a share in their club.
Part of the Labour Party manifesto for the forthcoming General Election is aimed at football supporters and Labour's plans include; Five per cent of Premier League television income must go into grassroots football, Accredited Supporters’ Trusts would be able to appoint and remove at least two club directors, Fans would be able to purchase shares when clubs change hands. Improvements to disabled access and Strong regulation of ticketing to avoid problems with touting.
Robinson is quoted by the Coventry Telegraph as saying: “Football clubs are part of people’s identity and sense of belonging. Our plan is to give fans a stake in their clubs.”
“Sport must be run in the interests of those who participate in it and love it.
“We all remember that day 30 years ago with a quarter of a million people on the streets celebrating. But we all know that Coventry City fans face life playing against Forest Green Rovers in the fourth tier of English Football.
“Football clubs need to be anchored with in their communities.
“The English game is unique, clubs based in their communities is what makes that special with local fans at the heart and soul of English clubs.
“The Premier League is built on local foundations, the grass roots of local parks pitches. We cannot afford to allow that to die this is why we are calling for football clubs to be anchored within their communities.”