How English football wants to increase the interaction of fans with its club

About a year ago, 12 major European football clubs announced the creation of the European Premier League. on time, I wrote an article on the topic-In case you want to refresh your memory. In short, the goal will be to separate from UEFA, and thus with the Champions League, in order to “present a better spectacle to the fans”, according to leader Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid. After two days of massive public pressure, the proposal was cancelled… or postponed. But it caused significant results on and off the four lines.

Have you ever heard of an independent study known as A fan-led review of football governance? This fan-written report edited by Tracy Crouch, Member of Parliament for the United Kingdom since 2010, provides ten strategic recommendations for the future of English football. At the end of 2021, it was completed, and last week, it officially received the support of the British government.

The initiative did not come “out of nowhere” and was prompted by three major events. The first was the collapse of Bury Football Club, which was founded in 1885 and went extinct in the 2018/19 season, taking a heavy toll on the local economy and community, leaving behind a fan base. Then the Covid-19 which caused many clubs to face a complicated financial situation. And finally the attempt to create the European Premier League.

In short, the document includes proposals to create an independent regulator to ensure the game’s financial sustainability, additional protection of team assets, a more equitable distribution of funds, and a commitment to work with responsible bodies and police to manage the sale. From alcohol and more consultation with fans. I would like to delve into only the last topic, but for those who want to see the entire document, It is available at this link.

Chapter 7, called Improve supporter engagement (Improving Fan Interaction) It divides its recommendations into 33 topics. It basically explains that the relationship between a club and a fan should be a partnership. The fan brings in income, which is part of the culture of the organization, and therefore must contribute his opinion. In this way, the team shares the responsibility for making decisions, whether good or bad. This can be done through regular meetings, with a elected member (FED), is nothing more than a manager elected by the fans themselves, and who represents them.

The text also talks about creating a file shadow palette, “Shadow Panel”, with the aim of improving transparency between the club and the fans. It should consist of a group of 5 to 12 members elected in a democratic process, with an official representative. Everything has to be changed from time to time, and periodic meetings with line managers and team leader are mandatory.

The shadow palette It is also intended to provide fans the opportunity to consult on some of the organization’s key decisions, such as visions and goals; business plans; Pitch and match day issues. inheritance. Marketing and Sponsorship. And the plans of fans and partners.

It seems to me that the British model is simple and economically fair and should be followed equally by all teams. In Brazil, we know that each council has its own rules for the formation of the council and the election of the president, but I think a parallel council of cheerleaders, as it is in Terra da Rainha, will not harm anyone.

A proposal for those who wish to join the Council of Supporters is to open the door for candidacy and voting for those who have been members of the Supporters Program for at least six months or a year. Thus, in addition to strengthening the relationship with the club, such a measure will also bring more revenue.

And you, what do you think of that? Do you think it is possible to include this advice?

The next day!

Reginaldo Deniz is the co-founder and CEO of End to End Group and writes monthly at gym machine