Fit and proper people only

Koppel

There is no doubt that football has been blighted in recent years with people finding their way into top positions at clubs when they could only be described as anything but fit and proper people.

We wouldn’t wish to name them – well, why not – the names of Charles Koppel, Douglas Craig, Bill Archer and even Mr. Pompous himself Geoffrey Richmond come readily to mind..

Football organisations are backing the recommendations which was included in the Football Supporters Federation’s Blueprint for Football.

Supporters Direct, the government-backed initiative that has now helped 106 supporters trusts make a constructive contribution to their clubs, today supported the calls by the IFC.

Speaking about the recommendation, acting Managing Director, Dave Boyle, said: "The way that football clubs are run is an issue that is fundamental to Supporters Direct, and the fit and proper person test is just one element of what we have been calling for to help to address the deep-seated problems in the game.

"We are in support of the conclusions on this issue by the IFC, and also believe that this goes hand-in-hand with the further recommendation of a properly resourced ‘Compliance Department’ at the Football Association.

"The absence of such a test has caused a great deal of the difficulties now faced by football clubs, and we hope that the game positively embraces this idea. However, it is important to add that this test is not a panacea.

"The message that comes from the supporters trust movement is that football needs to learn to be viable and sustainable.

"With the increased involvement of trusts in the game, this week joined by our 106^th – the Dunfermline Athletic Supporters Society – trusts will play an important role in establishing good governance alongside any proposed compliance unit."