It's not up to politicians to run the game, says minister
SPORTS minister Gerry Sutcliffe said it was up to football authorities to run the game - and not the government - as he described Pompey's going into administration as a 'sad day'.
Mr Sutcliffe told The News: 'Portsmouth's fans are among the most resilient, loyal and vocal in the Premier League and this is a sad day for those supporters who are the bedrock of the club.
'Better financial regulation is something we have consistently challenged the football authorities on over the last year.
'But there remain tough questions on what more they need to do to tackle issues around leveraged debt, takeovers and the fit and proper person test.
'It is for the football authorities, not government, to run the game and they have responsibility to meet this challenge and toughen up financial regulation.
'There must be far greater scrutiny of takeovers, so that new owners show proof of funds and a clear business plan going forward.
'Owners come and go but our clubs were built on the fierce loyalty of fans and the history of civic pride and local allegiance.
'The relationship with supporters must change and the game must now look at ways of ensuring more accountability and better representation for their fan base.'
Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock, pictured, has already called for an inquiry into what went on at Pompey. He has also demanded a meeting with Mr Sutcliffe, saying the government needed to take action to secure the future of the game.
Mr Hancock said: 'I think that there now major issues on how football in general and the Premier League in particular is run and regulated. I have asked to meet the sports minister to discuss with him, not just Pompey but the whole situation as regards football.
'We have gone past the point when the government can say this is just a question for private businesses - we are talking about our national game here and there are now a great number of issues that affect nearly all clubs.
'The minister recently said in Parliament that the government needed to be a "critical friend" of Football - it now needs to be at least that and more.
'We have seen with the banks what happens if the government does not act, I don't want to see a similar fiasco with football. It now needs to work with the FA and Premier League to secure football's long term future.'
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Friday 25 May 2012
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