Supporters Direct news feed

European Parliament vote supports the work of Supporters Direct Europe and its member groups

On Thursday February 2nd, a vote in the European Parliament was held on the so-called Fisas Report (named after Santiago Fisas MEP, the rapporteur of the report), which sets out the European Dimension in Sport.

Supporters Direct endorses UEFA's Financial Fair Play Regulations

"In a club these days, everything changes – players, coaches, owners, directors, managers – but the fans and the link with the society remains the same. And this is what we need to protect. And when we look at the financial figures in particular, we have to be worried about the trend and we need to tackle that. We need to establish a safe and healthy environment for European club football to continue to develop and prosper."

Siobhain McDonagh MP backs �historic opportunity for change in football�

At 6pm this Thursday, AFC Wimbledon supporter Siobhain McDonagh MP will have a 30 minute Parliamentary debate in the House of Commons on: “Government policy on football governance and the case of AFC Wimbledon”.

The debate is relevant at a time of historic opportunity for change in football. The authorities have in front of them the chance to adopt changes that could make shameful episodes like that of the franchising of Wimbledon FC’s league place, and the current crises engulfing Darlington and Portsmouth and over fifty other clubs since 1992, a thing of the past.

The MP for Mitcham and Morden in the London Borough of Merton, former home of Wimbledon FC, will urge the Government to ensure that any changes to the rules of football currently under consideration by the football authorities will ensure that clubs can’t just ignore the communities they are supported by.

She will also back calls being made by organisation Supporters Direct through its own licensing proposals that to enable this, communities be represented formally in the governance of clubs as part of licence conditions.

Call for tender for project EAC-2011-0457

“Improving Football Governance through Supporter Involvement and Community Ownership”

Supporters Direct’s project has been selected by the European Commission, under the PREPARATORY ACTION IN THE FIELD OF SPORT (EAC/18/2011), for receipt of a grant.

The project has specified outputs/outcomes (included in scope of work) that must be delivered to meet the funding conditions. SD envisages delivering these in partnership with a suitably qualified and experienced consultant, which is the purpose of this invitation to tender.

United Nations International Year of Co-operatives launched

Today sees the official launch of 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives, as designated by the United Nations. There are over 1.4 million Co-operatives across the globe, with over 1 billion members. Today will be marked with events in the UK, France, Portugal, China and Canada, kicking off a year of activity highlighting the work done by Co-operatives around the world.

Election to the Rugby League Advisory Group of SD

Nominations have now closed in the election to the Rugby League Advisory Group of Supporters Direct.

Election to the England & Wales Football Council of SD

Nominations have now closed in the election to the England & Wales Football Council of Supporters Direct.

Supporters Direct media briefing, 16/12/11

Below is the latest Supporters Direct media briefing, featuring a selection of news stories, opinion articles and blog posts, discussing some of the issues which have made the headlines over the last fortnight.

FSE and the Independent Governance Committee of FIFA

Supporters Direct partner organisation Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has released a statement regarding the soon to be established FIFA Independent Governance Committee, and their decision not to accept an invitation from FIFA to join. The full statement can be viewed here.

Supporters Direct supports FC United's re-launched Community Shares scheme

FC United have re-launched their landmark Community Share Scheme for the development of their stadium and community facilities in Moston, North Manchester.