Government calls for English football reforms

The UK government has threatened to legislate against English football should suggested reforms be ignored.

The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee recently called for the Football Association to do more to encourage diversity and ensure English clubs are financially sound.

Sports minister Hugh Robertson MP insists the guidelines must be followed, telling BBC Sport: “We welcome the report.

“The report from the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee shows the will there is across parliament for football to modernise and change for the better.

“We have been clear that we want the football authorities to carry out the reforms they promised by the start of the 2013/14 season – most notably around improved governance and diverse representation at the FA, the development of a licensing system and greater financial transparency.

“If football does not deliver then we will look at bringing forward legislation.”

The FA, Premier League and Football League have since responded in a joint statement which said the recommendations are already being acted upon.

“Significant headway has already been made on many of these proposed reforms, not least on sustainability and transparency,” it read.

“The remaining reform proposals are the subject of consultation within the game and we are confident that the necessary progress will be made.”