AFC Wimbledon has been at the forefront of Fair Game’s call to save the future of football – and there’s an opportunity for you to play a part.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester and former Culture Secretary, yesterday issued an urgent call to the government not to waste a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to save football.
In the next few days, the Government are going to respond to the Fan-Led Review - a review run by the Conservative MP Tracey Crouch and widely welcomed by football fans and fully supported by Fair Game.
Burnham said: “It is not enough just to welcome the findings – which included a new independent regulator – there needs to be a firm commitment that legislation will be included in May’s Queen’s Speech. Without it this once in a lifetime opportunity to save the future of football risks being kicked into the long grass.
“There’s no doubt that football is at a crossroads. Just this month, we’ve seen a new study from Fair Game reveal that in 2020 – that’s BEFORE the pandemic – that 52% of our top clubs were technically insolvent. And since the turn of the century a third of our clubs have gone into administration and dozens of clubs outside the Football League no longer exist.
“We need a sustainable future for football at every level. And a future where the history, heritage and traditions of our football clubs are protected. Football needs to change.
“I call on everyone in this country, who loves our beloved game, to appeal to the Secretary of State Nadine Dorries to ensure a commitment to legislation is included in the Government response.”
Dons Trust Board member Niall Couper, who is CEO at Fair Game, said: "There is no doubt as a club we cherish our history and traditions. We know how it can go wrong. Football needs to learn and as fans of AFC Wimbledon we can lead the way. The Fan-Led Review offers hope to a better future, but it will mean nothing without legislation. We need to ask our politicians to be vocal and act now. Please play your part by writing to them."
Fair Game has created an action for fans to appeal to MPs to work hard to ensure there is a new Football Bill in the next Queen's Speech. Visit this website to throw your weight behind the campaign.