Government review panel calls for English football regulator to “protect the game”

Former sports minister Tracey Crouch damning of the game’s attempts to self-regulate: “It is time now for external assistance”.

Crouch is leading a “fan led” review panel. She has presented her interim report to the Government and will make a final report of her findings in the Autumn.

The panel includes former England manager Roy Hodgson and Everton CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale

She backs “Golden shares”, enabling fans to have control over symbolic matters like “club badges, location, colours and competitions.” 

Overhaul of governance required, but greater study needed on revenue flows between divisions.