League Two side Tranmere said it had “shown a complete lack of respect”, while Peterborough chairman Darragh McAnthony warned it could lead on to “disorder within English football”.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Fair Game chief executive Neil Cooper have sent a joint letter to Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser and her shadow Thingham Debonair, which read: “We know that many clubs in the lower leagues have to survive. And these changes, if they go ahead, will make that struggle even more difficult.
“The events of this season have raised concerns amongst supporters in any respect levels that football authorities are running the sport within the interests of the few and never the various.
“Like the implementation of profit and sustainability rules in the Premier League, these changes raise concerns about a lack of transparency, consistency and fairness on the part of football authorities.
“If the brand new regulator is to be effective, it have to be given the powers to act to secure the health of the complete football pyramid.”
The Football Association insisted that “all parties accepted the change”. However, the EFL urged the FA to “reassess its approach”, saying there was “no agreement” and no “formal consultation” before the deal was announced.
Cooper added that the move was “short-sighted and misguided” and that “elite clubs protect their narrow interests”.
He added: “This move is one other example of why football needs a powerful and independent regulator that may make sure the financial way forward for our game.”
The Fair Game amendment would cover other competitions – and if the changes were to change the distribution of revenue, this would require the approval of the independent regulator.
The Football Governance Bill, which might introduce such a regulator, is having its second reading on Tuesday and can undergo the parliamentary process before being enacted into law.
Credit : www.bbc.com
