FL introduce director test

The groundbreaking rule was voted for unanimously by clubs at the League's AGM in Chester today.

It represents a further step forward to promote good governance and transparancy in the game.

From next season it will be a breach of regulations for the following to be a director or hold a majority interest in a League club:

Anyone subject to a ban from a Sports governing Body relating to the administration of that sport

Anyone with an unspent conviction relating to fraud or dishonesty.

Anyone that is disqualified from acting as a director of a UK registered company

Anyone currently subject to ta Bankruptcy order

Anyone who has been a director of a club that has been in administration twice during a five-year period, or a director of two difference clubs that have each gone into administraion in a five-year period


All current directors must prove that the meet the above criteria by July 31.

FL chairman Brian Mawhinney said: "In the last twelve months the Football League has made considerable progress in terms of bringing new standards of corporate governance into football. I believe this is perhaps the most progressive and important step taken to date.

"Too many times in recent history we have seen the good work of the vast majority of club directors being tarnished by a handful of roque individuals. This has negative consequences for the Leagues as a whole and it is not acceptable.

"I am delighted that club Chairman have taken this brave decision and that The Football League continues to take the lead in these vital football areas."

Dave Boyle, acting manager of Supoorters Direct, said: "I think it's worth placing on record the thanks that should go to Sir John Smith, who recommended it in 1996, and the Football Task-Force who did similar in 1999.

"Congratulations to the League officials for doing this and taking a stand, and I daresay a risk too. Congratulations too, to the clubs who voted it through - the phrase 'turkeys voting for christmas has often been used' to cover the reason why this would be unlikely to happen, but it has.

"I'm sure there are others, but this is a clear case where supporters representatives urged a change on the authorities, who initially rejected it. "we've gone and made a difference that should have benefits for our clubs