Fans of Big Six statement on Project Big Picture

[ClaretTony]

I could have posted this on the main thread but I didn't want it getting lost in there and people missing it. The statement below has come from representative groups of each of the 'Big Six' - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man United and Spurs.





The fans we represent are fortunate to support clubs that regularly secure the largest financial revenues in the Premier League. But all of us understand that football doesn’t work in isolation. It’s a family. It requires a fair share of resources to ensure that the Premier League is competitive to watch and that the lower leagues flourish as part of our national game.

While the six clubs we support are widely reported to be the instigators of Project Big Picture, it is important we state very clearly that we do not support the proposals in their current form.

The Premier League has rightly said that all stakeholders should be involved in discussions about the future of the game. And yet supporters have not had the courtesy of any communication or consultation about these plans before they were published last Sunday, despite allegedly being three years in the making.

By floating this latest plan, those behind it are acknowledging football needs to be reformed. It’s something we have been saying for many years. There are some suggestions in this plan that have merit. But we are totally opposed to concentrating power in the hands of six billionaire owners and departing from the one club, one vote and collective ethos of the Premier League. This part of the proposal must be dropped immediately if other elements are to be given serious consideration.

We welcome the Government reiterating its plan for a supporter-led review into football governance. This needs to happen as a matter of urgency and supporter groups must be consulted on the terms of reference. These terms must include how fans are to be given a greater say in the running of their clubs and a chance to be involved in ownership structures.
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We call on the Government and football authorities to now work urgently to secure a sustainable future for all clubs, many of which face serious threats to their existence as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also expect both parties to make a genuine commitment to reform and to listen to our members. Fans are the lifeblood of the game. We need to be heard as soon as possible.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Excellent statement

[DCWat]

Nice to hear some common sense and an understanding that is far broader than from those responsible for the paper.

[HB Claret]

Refreshing to hear this statement.

[Chester Perry]

I could have posted this on the main thread but I didn't want it getting lost in there and people missing it. The statement below has come from representative groups of each of the 'Big Six' - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man United and Spurs.

It was already there, but you have a fair point

[ClaretTony]

I know most of the people involved in putting this statement together (Chelsea excepted because it is someone new). It's refreshing to see this statement from them.

[mikeS]

I Agree with the statement. Football does need reform and Our lower league And non-league clubs supported. Project Big Picture needs to involve all interested parties in the game and not just the voices and views of a handful of elite clubs.

[dougcollins]

Or more to the point, the views of a couple of American billionaires.

[Bin Ont Turf]

Or more to the point, the views of a couple of American billionaires.

That's right.

They'll be wanting to change their clubs names like they do over in plonker country.

Merseyside Merlins and Newton Heath Nomads.

[bodge]

The Americanisation of our society has to stop never mind the influence over our sport.

[dougcollins]

The Americanisation of our society has to stop never mind the influence over our sport.

In the hole!

[Bin Ont Turf]

The Americanisation of our society has to stop never mind the influence over our sport.

Quite right Bodge, but I fear it is too late.

Too many sheep, and not enough people here.

[Stayingup]

The Americanisation of our society has to stop never mind the influence over our sport.

I have to say I used to work in USA from time to time in the South and it had its plus points. Some nice places in the Carolinas and I considered living there. But now? I wouldn't dream of it.

[Zlatan]

There is hope, thanks for that CT

[CharlieinNewMexico]

That's right.

They'll be wanting to change their clubs names like they do over in plonker country.

Merseyside Merlins and Newton Heath Nomads.

<—-?Googles An Idiot Abroad for BOT in the credits

[NewClaret]

Excellent. Nice to read something on here we can all agree on

[Cirrus_Minor]

Good to see and fair play to the groups that have put this together. I just worry that this proposal will gather momentum as many of the lower tier clubs start to get desperate and lose money.

[lesxdp]

A very good report but somehow it needs to get as much support and publicity as the billionaires can achieve. Not sure how we can do that but hopefully the authors will be circulating it to at least all the sport channels on TV and radio to ensure that all our views are known