The Football Governance White Paper has been scrutinised by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
Two panels were in attendance to give evidence, with representatives from the FA, Premier League and EFL, following former sports minister Tracey Crouch and FSA chief executive Kevin Miles.
Over the course of proceedings, the FA, Premier League and EFL representatives each expressed the preference of their organisations, to keep governance on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) separate to the white paper.
Crouch explained that she understood why EDI was largely excluded, with strong feeling from the Government that it was an area football authorities could progress themselves. This contrasted with the measures on financial regulation, which also have a significant impact upon provisions for disabled supporters.
Disappointment that there was not more depth with regards to EDI, was voiced by Miles, who confirmed that as a Kick It Out board member, he and the FSA would endorse their three points for the regulator.
Level Playing Field has been invited to write to the Government on the proposed white paper and will take up this opportunity.
Chair of Level Playing Field, Tony Taylor, said: “We are aware of the desire clubs and governing bodies have, to restrict the impact of the white paper to financial regulation, but the direct correlation with action on access and inclusion for disabled supporters must be acknowledged.
“Throughout proceedings, the importance of financial distribution, sustainability and accountability were emphasised. Each of these are fundamental to the delivery of access and inclusion.
“A number of panellists described this as a golden opportunity for the sport, and it must be used to allocate resources in the correct way, with economic considerations over physical infrastructure forming a key part of this.
“We urge the committee to consider our evidence and would welcome the opportunity help them increase consultation with disabled supporters.”
Level Playing Field’s response to the release of the football governance white papers initial release can be found here, with yesterday’s committee meeting available to watch in full here.