Clive Efford MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Sport, responds to the publication of the Government Expert Working Group on football supporter ownership and engagement, said:

“Whilst this report is a welcome step towards greater fan engagement with the owners of their clubs, it is clearly a missed opportunity.

“Changing the rules to allow fans to have two meetings a year with their clubs is a far cry from having voices in the boardroom, and fall way short of Labour’s own proposals.

“The proposals also limit support for fans to take stakes in their clubs during times of distress when a club needs rescuing.  If fans are suitable owners of clubs when they are in financial difficulties, then bona fide supporters groups must surely be enabled to take stakes in their clubs when shares are up for sale.

“This report must only be seen as a start. The Minister must now ensure that further work around ownership and governance is undertaken to ensure that the concerns of football fans continue to be heard.”