It has been billed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “fix football.” Level Playing Field agrees with most of our football family that there is a need for greater fan engagement and involvement in the game—particularly the role of an independent regulator.
The white paper has been a long time coming, and we at Level Playing Field applaud those who have fought to get it this far.
However, if you are a disabled football fan reading the 99-page document, you might read this white paper and be sceptical, suspicious, and possibly disappointed.
Level Playing Field recognise this bill’s importance, which is why we hoped for more!
We welcome the chapter on Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Something that 10 years ago might not have been prevalent in a document of this type.
However, when ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ is used in the way it has in this white paper, history has shown that it is used in a very broad ‘capture all’ manner and sadly, disability is spoken about less than other protective characteristics despite disabled people being the largest minority group in the UK (14 million people).
Disabled people are often an afterthought or low priority in the world of football (and sport in general).
In this White Paper we regretfully see a lack of vision or action when making the game a more equitable and inclusive match day for disabled football fans.
Two years ago, in 2021, Level Playing Field was invited to provide written evidence to Tracey Crouch and her committee. You can read these recommendations via this link.
From our recommendations, we expected a minimum:
- A set of minimum measurable accessibility standards across football clubs
Board representation for disabled fans/people
Regular and meaningful structured dialogue with disabled fans
Regrettably, these fundamental points have not been fully included for all the good outcomes in this White Paper.
The White Paper is a document that can be amended, and we call on Members of Parliament to put forward meaningful amendments in order to deliver a representative voice for – and understanding of – the experience of a disabled fans.
A structured communication process and ongoing fan feedback is essential for shaping effective governance and delivering appropriate inclusion.
Tony Taylor, Chair of Level Playing Field, commented:
“Tracey Crouch stated that football must seize a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ to reform, and we wholeheartedly agree.
We are disappointed that this white paper proposal lacks the vision to future-proof the game for disabled sports fans and bring about real-time improvements to disabled match-going fans.
Once again, we find it necessary to emphasise the need for disability representation in footballing governance to shape and deliver appropriate inclusion”.
Chapter 16.11 of the White Paper states that the Government will continue to engage
with the football community regarding EDI. We look forward to speaking to the Government regarding our views on this white paper.
Level Playing Field will be working to bring about the necessary changes to make sure any legislation has disability at the front of the game. This means that any independent regulator also has representation that looks like the fans that attend football because if we want to talk about football being the people’s game, then we need to make sure it’s for all people, not just for a selected few”.