Football supporters offered options on rights in their clubs

What rights should football supporters in Scotland have over the running of their clubs? Options have been put out to consultation by the Scottish Government following legislation to promote supporter involvement.

The move follows the passing of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which includes a provision that Scottish ministers must consult on a range of different options to enhance supporter involvement in Scottish football clubs. The views of those responding to the consultation will inform the nature and scope of subsequent regulations to be introduced under these powers by ministers.

Four main options are put forward:

• a right to influence, through initiatives such as those recommended by the Working Group Report for Supporter involvement in Football Clubs, which involve increased communication, accountability and involvement in governance and decisions that relate to the community;
• a right to govern, whether through direct board representation or additional structures such as advisory boards, supporters' forums or a "fans' parliament";
• a right to bid, under which fans are treated as a priority and given the full opportunity to bid for their club should the owner(s) decide to sell it; and
• a right to buy, initially debated in the context of supporters' trusts, but the paper recognises that some supporters' groups seek more extended rights.

The paper recognises the complexities that may arise over defining a club, its assets and its supporters, and also asks whether an appeals process needs to be put in place in relation to any exercise of rights of decision making or ownership.

As and when a preferred option emerges as a result of the consultation, the Government will undertake further, more detailed and technical consideration to ensure whichever option is pursued is workable and does not result in any unintended consequences.

Writing in the foreword to the paper, Minister for Sport Jamie Hepburn comments: "The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that Scottish football supporters have the opportunity to be involved in the decision making and running of their football club wherever possible. It is for that reason we believe it is important to bring forward legislation that protects the rights of football fans whilst also enhancing and strengthening the sustainability of Scottish football clubs. I recognise that there are already some clubs that engage well with their fan base, but I believe we could do better and I welcome this opportunity to start a discussion about how fans' rights can be better protected."

Click here to access the consultation. The deadline for responses is 15 January 2016.