Campaigning organization Supporters Direct proposed that the FA introduce a rule requiring owners of clubs to comply with "basic standards of good stewardship" or face a "range of sanctions including fines or ultimately a ban," according to David Conn of the London GUARDIAN. Under the proposal, "contained in detailed recommendations" presented at a series of national fan events starting on Tuesday in Blackpool, owners would have a duty "to safeguard and protect the identity and existence of their club and to promote good relations, and a positive contribution, to the local community." The recommendations also call on the FA "to introduce a licensing system" for EPL and Football League clubs, which would involve compliance with a "more stringent series of financial and governance standards" (GUARDIAN, 9/5). In London, Paul Hayward reported the U.K. Department of Culture, Media & Sport is "said to be sympathetic to the campaign as impatience grows in Westminster with football's failure to reform." An independent regulatory body "is another aim of the movement." Supporters Direct CEO Ashley Brown said, "If you look across the UEFA countries, there are probably only five that don't have an effective club licensing system. We have too long a list of owners who are driving clubs into the ground. Some have been outright crooks and have taken money out of the game and into their own pockets" (TELEGRAPH, 9/4).
