Scottish football should be included in fan-led review of football governance, demands MP

Ian Murray, who was at the forefront of the battle to rescue Hearts from collapse in the early part of the last decade.
Ian Murray MP, then the chairman of the Foundation of Hearts arrives at Tynecastle for a creditors and shareholders meeting in 2013.Ian Murray MP, then the chairman of the Foundation of Hearts arrives at Tynecastle for a creditors and shareholders meeting in 2013.
Ian Murray MP, then the chairman of the Foundation of Hearts arrives at Tynecastle for a creditors and shareholders meeting in 2013.

Scottish football should be included in any fan-led review of football governance, Ian Murray has demanded.

In a letter sent to Nigel Huddleston, the UK Government minister for sport, the Edinburgh South MP said there are “pressing issues” with the way the game is run in Scotland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Murray was instrumental in the battle to save Hearts when they were facing tax bills and administration and called on Westminster to work with the Scottish Government when delivering their manifesto commitment for a ‘fan-led’ review.

There has been a crisis in confidence in the way football is run in Scotland following the decision to end the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) season early due to Covid-19 and consequent failure to agree a restructure of the league.

Hearts and Partick Thistle have taken their complaints with the decision to an independent tribunal following the Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) arbitration process, but have been threatened with expulsion by the SPFL for doing so.

Controversy had initially started following Dundee’s casting vote which ended the season and relegated both Hearts and Partick Thistle.

Labour MP Ian Murray, Shadow Scottish Secretary, said: “The overwhelming majority of football fans in Scotland feel alienated by how the game is run, and it is little wonder after the debacle of recent months.

“There are clearly serious issues with how football is governed in Scotland. The UK and Scottish governments should work together to allow fans in Scotland the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of Scottish football.”

In the letter to Mr Huddleston, Mr Murray writes: “Football clubs, including top flight clubs but particularly those outside of it, have come under greater financial strain than ever before, with the long term issues of governance, ownership and the grassroots.

"I would ask you to ensure that the scope of the fan-led football review covers not just England, but that you work with the devolved administration in Edinburgh to include Scottish football in the review.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Football supporters in Scotland face the same issues as supporters across the United Kingdom, in wanting to see their local clubs sustainably funded into the future and governed properly. There are also some pressing issues with regards to the long-term governance of the game in Scotland.”

The UK Government were contacted for comment.

Comments

 0 comments

Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.