The Heart of the Game (2012)

Why supporters are vital to improving governance in football

Supporters Direct Europe produced this position paper in 2012 in order to provide evidence of how supporter involvement and ownership can help improve European football and deliver European values and EU aims.

Many football clubs in Europe are in financial turmoil, the game suffers from the effects of poor governance at club and national levels, and because the potential to deliver social and economic benefits from the game is not being realised. Increasing numbers of supporters are seeking assistance in becoming involved in decision making: forming democratic organisations, building capacity, and representing supporters’ interests.

Helping to improve football’s governance and addressing financial instability are vital, not only in improving sport but addressing key issues in Europe: strengthening democracy and citizenship, building cooperation and dialogue, and improving communities. This paper sets out how SD Europe think those issues are best addressed.

Read the report here.