The English Football Association (FA) and the UK government will launch a review into the ownership of football stadia in a bid to grant clubs greater power when it comes to disputes on the matter.
While the review will take in the whole of the English football pyramid, it will have a particular focus on the non-league side of the game, which saw a notable case of stadia ownership make the headlines earlier this year.
National League South club Dulwich Hamlet was forced out of its Champion Hill (pictured) ground in March by the property developers that own the London stadium.
The review will seek to establish different types of stadium ownership agreements, with the FA to report back to MPs next year on what action can be taken and the kind of guidance and support that can be provided to clubs.
“In the event of disagreements between landowners and clubs, the FA has no ability to intervene to support clubs, so having government backing is vital,” FA chief executive Martin Glenn said, according to the BBC. “The FA looks forward to providing its recommendations.”
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch added: “Football clubs are hugely important to communities across the country but there are some fans that fear for the very future of their local team.
“Dulwich Hamlet is not the only club caught in the middle of a development dispute and this review will look at the issue of stadium ownership in more detail and how clubs can be best supported.”
Image: Katie Chan
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