The Football Fans Census

Football's Secret Blueprint

The FFC surveyed its members concerning a secret report produced by accountancy firm KPMG. Commissioned by First Division club chairmen, the report recommended that the Football League (FL) should be restructured. The proposals reportedly gave First Division clubs more power in the running of the FL; seeing them keep a greater share of television and commercial deals. The First Division chairmen had the report for a week before their Second and Third Division counterparts were allowed access.

Survey Questions and Results

Overview: Almost 90% of fans felt that this was a significant or fundamental issue for football with over half feeling structural changes have to be made. Over 60% of fans would reject the report with 86% saying one vote only for each club and 72% feeling that the FL board should be made up of both businessmen and chairmen. 71% disagreed that the outlook for clubs was bright but there was much disagreement as to whether football should be run as a business or a sport.

In terms of 'fan power' there was a balanced outlook. 93% felt there should be a fans representative on the FL board but less than half felt that fans should have the final say. Only 13% of fans felt their welfare was the most important consideration when running football compared with 46% in favour of the clubs.
Read fans comments here

Q1. How significant would you consider an issue such as re-structuring the Football League?

Fundamental to the very fabric of the sport 39%

Significant 49%

A fleeting issue 06%

Not significant 05%

Don't Know 01%

Q2. Do you think the structure of the FL needs changing?

Yes - a complete overhaul is required 13%

Yes - changes have to be made 47%

Not really - only minor tweaks here and there 31%

No- keep it exactly as it is 08%

Don't know 01%

Q3. Who should have the final decision on this issue?

Government/ independent committee 11%

League Chairmen 33%

Fans - season ticket holders only 10%

Fans - anyone who wants to vote 36%

Don't Know 10%

Q4. How would you vote on the report?

Reject it 61%

Accept it 09%

Wait and see full repercussions of ITV Digital dispute 28%

Would not vote 02%

Q5. How should voting rights be allocated in FL discussions?

One club, one vote 86%

Aligned with % of revenue generated into league 08%

Don't Know 06%

Q6. Who should make up the Football League Board?

League Chairmen
20%

Businessmen (independent but with a football background) 06%

A mixture of the above two 72%

Don't Know 02%

Q7. Should a fans' representative be included in the Board?

Yes 93%

No 05%

Don't Know 02%

Q8. For football to survive it should be run more as a business rather than a sport?

Agree 40%

Neither agree nor disagree 31%

Disagree 27%

Don't know 02%

Q9. In running football, what is the best criteria to base decisions on?

Money 03%

Welfare of the clubs 46%

Welfare of the players 01%

Welfare of the fans 13%

Welfare of the game as a spectacle 37%

Q10. The outlook for the majority of football league clubs is bright

Agree 05%

Neither agree nor disagree 21%

Disagree 71%

Don't know 03%