Azed

Here's the link to the Interim Report. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1004891/TC_letter_to_Oliver_Dowden_Accessible_Format.pdf

Recommendations of the government report into football governance from the former sports minister and Johnson buddy Tracey Crouch. "They call for legislation to create an independent football regulator to oversee finances and governance, with a licensing system, wage caps and powers to stop owners mortgaging club assets. Fans might gain a veto over certain changes. " Something will probably happen, how much probably depends on Johnson's latest whim, but there could be some controls coming and an end to the chaos which is afflicting so many clubs.

Interesting article in the FT 28th December. Bristol Sport might be an attractive target. "Private capital’s rush into the business of sport Institutional investors see long-term opportunities from short-term disruption, but there are risks The owner of Liverpool FC, which won England’s Premier League in 2020, is in talks to go public in the US via a special purpose acquisition company "

Govt minister is urging Championship clubs to adopt a wage cap. I think he fears that several clubs could succumb without govt help which clearly govt would rather steer clear of. So, no, I don't know what options are yet because the covid effect is so far reaching. But there could be a radical shake up with some level of govt support in exchange for some handbrake (to use spin slang) on wage to turnover ratio spread over a 2 year period by which time hopefully there will be a vaccine which allows 100% attendance at matches. Just guessing atm.

That's my guess as to what will happen. But the changes to FFP could be significant and we could be in position to spend relatively more than quite a few other clubs whose finances are already weak.

It seems likely FFP rules will have to be amended to take into account the upheaval to finances of all the Championship clubs due to covid. I don't think a pay cap will get voted for in the Championship but it might. Any strategy regarding tranfer fees, player swaps and the like could be deemed totally inappropriate until decisions are made at league level. So bringing in youth team coaches to bring through new talent to generate revenues might be less viable than picking up top quality players at bargain prices in the new covid market place. We have plenty of you talent waiting for 1st team action. Some will make it, others will be moved on but until we know the new rules maybe it would have been better to appoint a known head like big Sam on a 1 year contract to support Holden rather than plunging into the youth strategy.

If MA and JL are experiencing the sort of negotiations most MDs go through when appointing to a key appointment then there's a possibility that CH's agent has leaked a story of Watford and his client's interest to achieve several aims. More money for the transfer fund than we have outlined. More salary than we've offered. I think CH will sign but the waiting is tough.

Mr P, Coppello, do you know if FFP breaches are dealt with by the the EFL's Disciplinary Commission with a barrister and an arbitrator with minimum 5 years post qualification experience or are they reviewed "lower down" first? Do the EFL have a legal affairs dept? I can't find anything which refers to one on the EFL site.