16 Feb 2010Sports minister calls for stricter football finance controls

Football Finance News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Gerry Sutcliffe has said that the government will put pressure on football authorities over the financial issues currently dominating discussions of the game.

Speaking to the Guardian, the sports minister said that organisations such as the English Premier League and the Football League are facing "tough questions" over the way in which many clubs handle their affairs.

The ongoing turmoil at Portsmouth has brought the issue of financial governance in football to the attention of ministers, while Manchester United's high level of debt has also attracted attention.

Mr Sutcliffe commented: "There must be tougher regulation from within the game and we will continue to push on these issues."

He also said that teams should investigate ways of "ensuring the voice of the supporter is listened to and has a greater say in the running of their club".

However, it is unlikely that the government will choose to intervene directly in an attempt to balance the books.

According to the newspaper, the view among many senior figures at Whitehall is that the FA must "reassert its position" as football's primary governing body.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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