The Fan-Led Review addresses many serious and pressing issues regarding the future of football governance. The PFA welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this important work.
With regards to the Government’s response today, we thank them for their engagement with the PFA. We look forward to the publication of more detailed plans, and we will continue to play an active role in this process on behalf of PFA members.
We particularly welcome the Government’s endorsement of key recommendations made in the Review regarding player welfare.
Issues around player welfare and mental health in both the men’s and women’s games are well-known and are covered in detail in the Review. We are clear that the duty of care towards players should not end when they have played their last game, whether that is a young player released from a club’s academy, or a senior player at the end of a long professional career. Support needs to be consistently and adequately funded, and we look forward to playing a major part in establishing a system that achieves this.
The Government’s response puts fans at its heart, and it will give supporters a greater say on fundamental issues regarding their clubs. That is to be welcomed. For the PFA, it is also critical that those who play the game - at all levels - remain at the centre of conversations about its future, especially on issues such as the formulation of the football calendar and fixture congestion. We will continue to ensure that this happens.
Additionally, we also welcome the announcement that there will be a formal review into the structure and governance of women’s football. Given the positive recent steps that have been taken to improve the contracts and rights of players, and the significant work the PFA has put into this, we look forward to being central to this process.
