Rochdale Football Club has today signed up to a new coalition of value-driven football clubs working together to improve governance of football in England and Wales, called Fair Game.
Dale join 23 other clubs including Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Bury AFC, Bristol Rovers, Cambridge United, Carlisle United, Chester FC, Curzon Ashton, Grimsby Town, Leyton Orient, Lincoln City, Luton Town and Tranmere Rovers as members.
Fair Game is working with a team of over 30 world-renowned experts to find long-term solutions to issues around the game, including protecting the heritage of clubs, a fairer distribution of TV revenues, opposing the European Super League, and tackling discrimination.
The organisation also has the backing of several leading politicians, including the Shadow minister for sport Alison McGovern, the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and the Conservative MP Damian Green, a leading member of the influential DCMS committee.
“We are delighted to become a member club of Fair Game,” said Rochdale Chairman Simon Gauge.
“We believe wholeheartedly in the principles of Fair Game – sustainability, integrity and community. The values are so closely aligned to our own, especially acting with fairness and integrity, being open and transparent, being collaborative and engaging, and being community focused.
“Becoming an active member of Fair game seems a very natural step for Rochdale AFC. With the fan led review of football currently taking place, now is the time to try and change football for the better.
“By being a member of Fair Game, our voice will be heard on this and hopefully clubs like ours will not be penalised in the future for trying to operate in a sustainable manner”.
Niall Couper, Director of Fair Game, added: “I am delighted that Rochdale Football Club has joined.
“Fair Game is calling for fairness, sustainability and success. At Fair Game, we want long-term realistic solutions and we believe we can deliver them.
“We want a sport where every fan can put their shirt on in the morning proud in what it stands for, safe in the knowledge that the traditions and heritage of their club will always be there.”
To find out more about Fair Game visit www.fairgameuk.org