Top football clubs must stop “taking their loyal fans for granted”, a senior minister says.
Sports Secretary Lucy Frazer says the game has “deep-rooted problems” that need to be tackled urgently.
These include financial mismanagement, with a wave of clubs set to face bankruptcy unless changes are made.
And she condemned the aborted attempt by six clubs to join a European Super League in 2021. Writing in the Sunday Express, Ms Frazer said: “If we want our national game to prosper for decades to come, and want a better deal for fans, something has to change.
“Looking at club finances, we can see the losses and debts are starting to rise significantly, so we can expect more administrations if we don’t act.”
The Government wants an independent regulator for men’s football to have the power to stop clubs joining breakaway leagues or selling stadiums. The policies, included in the proposed Football Governance Bill, follow clashes between clubs and fans.
Manchester United supporters have protested against the owners and the move of some season ticket holders from their seats.
Reading fans have called on owner Dai Yongge to sell the club, and West Ham supporters protested against quitting Upton Park in favour of the 2012 Olympic Stadium. There is still anger over Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Spurs announcing they were to join a European Super League.
Concerns have also been raised about financial management after Derby County, Wigan Athletic and Bury entered administration.
Ms Frazer said: “When I’ve spoken to supporters’ groups, the message has been loud and clear: clubs and owners are taking their loyal fans for granted.” But the proposed regulator has received a mixed response.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “We’re asking MPs and peers to look at the Bill very carefully, and to look at it with a dispassionate head on.”
The FA said: “We welcome the commitment to strengthen independent financial regulation in football.”
