17 Oct 2008Authorities given three months to report back to Burnham

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

The secretary of state for culture, media and sport Andy Burnham has requested that the footballing authorities report back to him within 90 days regarding his seven point plan to 'save football'.

Mr Burnham fears that fans may desert the game as money continues to take over from passion and loyalty.

"Despite the levels of money in the game, football must be a sporting competition run like a business and not vice versa," he said.

"The game makes money because of the way it began - because of the fierce rivalry between fans and the history of civic pride and local allegiance forged over a century or more.

"The game is becoming increasingly polarised. The top clubs who build on global success are in danger of becoming detached from the communities that build them.

"We need to ensure the flow of finance furthers football's interests as a sport."

The comments come following the news that Premier League clubs have a combined debt of £3 billion.

The secretary has asked for more prudence from clubs and more financial regulations from associations.

Among a number of suggestions, Mr Burnham has included a re-examination of the case for having a set number of home-grown players in the squad.

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