SOS committee members Ian Byrne, George Bevan and Joe Blott joined fans and fan groups across football, including women’s football representatives, at the FSA annual general meeting at Wembley on 20 July. 

The AGM was officially opened by Stephanie Peacock MP, the newly appointed Sports Minister. Of particular note was her and the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Football Governance Bill becomes an Act as quickly as possible. Once passed, an Independent Football Regulator (IFR) can be put in post to govern football properly.

The delays in getting this legislation through parliament have been frustrating, but they do mean with a second bite we have the opportunity to seek more powers for the IFR. and this is what we, other supporters’ trusts and the FSA will be campaigning for over the coming months.

Threats to the competitive integrity of English football are growing. Three of the most obvious are the current financial imbalance between clubs, the growing pressure for Premier League games to be be played overseas and the rising cost of tickets, way in excess of inflation that affects fans’ ability to afford to follow their team.

All three subjects were addressed, with two motions proposed by SOS.

George moved the motion on ticket pricing, which was supported by a huge majority,with just three abstentions, and Joe did the same regarding sporting integrity/associated party transactions, which passed unanimously.

SOS seconded a third motion in relation to preventing PL games being played abroad, which was also unanimously supported.

These three key motions are now fully part of our and the FSA agendas for the forthcoming season and beyond – and are critical if we want to save the game as we know it and love. 

As Henry Winter said in his summary of the event, “Let’s hope the clubs are listening – and some are. English fans are rarely militant but there is a new mood in the stands and they have a forceful ally arriving in the IFR.”

There was also a 10th-anniversary celebration of Fans for Diversity, which spotlighted the group’s high achievements for inclusivity, but also the challenges that remain.

One of those is how to support women who go to watch the men’s game. Two motions, both unanimously passed, highlighted the need to encourage more women to be involved in all levels of the game. Points included supporters’ trusts and boards to address diversity, and access to matches for fans with very young children – kids are often barred from grounds with mums and dads because they are… too young.

The SOS motions can be found here.

The full FSA agenda pack can be found here.