Rogue owners could be jailed under plans for new fit and proper test.
The independent football regulator (IFR) is to introduce a owners, directors and senior executive test, which is aimed at keeping unsuitable custodians out of the sport.
Those involved insist the new system will have greater powers than those currently used by both the Premier League and EFL – including the threat of a spell behind bars for those who commit serious offences such as a wilful or reckless failure to provide accurate information, destroying evidence or causing obstruction among a number of hard-hitting features.
Consultation documents were published on Thursday, with the matter expedited thanks to the ongoing financial struggles at Sheffield Wednesday under Dejphon Chansiri and Morecambe’s recent brush with extinction before they were taken over.
The proposed new test would also have the power to force an owner to divest, something the EFL is currently unable to do. It would also allow the regulator to review not just those who wish to buy clubs but those who are already in position, should significant concerns be raised.
Under the proposals, domestic and international cases will be considered, while checks can be made with banks as to where funds are held.
Some football club oowners could be jailed under plans for new fit and proper test – pictured, Sheffield United chief Dejphon Chansiri
Consultation documents were published on Thursday, with the matter expedited thanks to the ongoing crisis at Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe’s brush with extinction
The IFR would also be able to contact law enforcement agencies and other regulatory bodies for assistance.
Criminal action would be viewed as a last resort, where fines are not appropriate. Fines would be issued at various levels, depending on the severity of the offence. The most serious step, Level 3, could see fines of between eight and 10 per cent of a club’s relevant revenue.
Under the new system, which is backed by law following the passing of the Football Governance Bill, some could see their operating licences suspended or even revoked.
And in extreme cases the regulator could be given the power to enter and inspect businesses under warrant in an attempt to obtain information that is being withheld.
The consultation is due to run to October 6, with the public, fan groups, clubs, competition organisers and related business all asked for feedback.
Those involved say the new regime, which could be in will ‘assess the honesty, integrity and financial soundness of those who want to own or run a football club, ensuring they have the necessary skills and experience to do so’.
The EFL is expected to drop its current test and adopt the IFR’s finished product. It is expected that the Premier League will retain its Owners and Directors Test and that it will run alongside the proposed addition.
