Far-reaching plans to revolutionise English football were put forward in a long-awaited Government review on Wednesday.
Fans’ groups up and down the land would be awarded a ‘Golden Share’, giving them legal powers over key decisions by their clubs for the first time.
The new legislation would mean that they could prevent another ‘Superleague’.
An attempted breakaway by Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal and Spurs provoked fury and an instant fan backlash in April this year.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, chair of the review panel, said that showed the dangers to our national game.
She warned our clubs were only ‘one bad owner away’ from disaster if reforms were not introduced.
“I hope this Review protects the good and the special but sets a clear course for a stronger national game with the interests of fans at its heart,” she said.
The golden share would also give supporters on a ‘Shadow Board’ new powers to veto changes to the ‘heritage’ of their clubs.
It would give them a say on any ground moves, changes to the team colours or badge, ticket, and replica kit prices.
A new, independent regulator would ensure a new ‘ownership and director’ test.
That widely-predicted recommendation follows the furore over the controversial £305m sale of Newcastle Utd to a Saudi consortium, despite the Gulf state’s human rights’ record.
The test would consider “the integrity and reputation of any close family member or business associate of the proposed owner.”
Independent directors would also oversee major changes by owners.
‘Engagement’ with supporters will be key in the future of our national game, the review added, with regular financial checks carried out to ensure that clubs do not go bust.
Grassroot clubs could soon benefit from a levy on Premier League transfers.
The report did not stipulate the amount of the levy. But it pointed out that 10 percent would have earned the lower leagues £160m annually over the past five years from the £9.9 billion spent.
The report states: “Given the vast wealth at the top of football...it is not unreasonable that the PL supports wider football to an even greater level.”
The review follows more than 100 hours of evidence heard by a panel over six months with contributions from supporters of more than 130 football clubs.
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters Association, heralded it as ‘potentially a huge step forward for football governance’, and said the review ‘had listened to the voice of fans’.
He added: “It’s now up to the Government to deliver upon the recommendations.
“Proposals to strengthen the voice of supporters, protect football’s heritage and the pyramid, and provide genuine independent regulation, lay the basis for a prosperous and sustainable future for football at all levels.”
DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP added: “For too long professional football in this country has operated with a disregard for fans and for the most basic good business practice.”
He urged the reforms to be included in the next Queen’s Speech to be passed into law as quickly as possible.
The Premier League recognised the vital importance of fans and the need “to restore and retain their trust”.
A spokesman added: “The Premier League, alongside English football as a whole, is a global success. It is important to everyone that any reforms do not damage our game, its competitive balance or the levels of current investment.”
