Tony Dallas talks sport… and with more than 20 years working as a sports development officer he knows what he’s on about

Published: 31 January, 2013
by TONY DALLAS

USUALLY I’d remark about people in glasshouses not throwing stones, but the government’s recent intervention into the football debate is a welcome one.

The time has come for someone to shake something up before the game, so loyally loved by the working classes, disappears completely into a corporate abyss.

Sports minister Hugh Robertson has urged the ruling bodies to act on promises made as far back as February 2012 to reform the way clubs are run or face legislation.

Many football people are arguing that politics and politicians should stay out of sport.

But it’s all politics!

Think about it.

Decisions at board level are not made without somebody winning or losing; and the clubs rarely, if ever, lose.

From the non-transparent deals made by agents, players and managers, to the hike in ticket prices, multiple replica kits and over-priced, over-cooked pies sold inside the ground. It’s capitalism at its very best.

I’ve been thinking of a few things that the Culture, Media and Sport select committee could suggest clubs do to redeem themselves in the eyes of the fans.

I think they could give 10 per cent of the transfer fee of any player to local causes, so every time a player is bought or sold the local community benefit.

Give 5 per cent of all the money made on food sold in the ground to homeless shelters and to those families on free school meals in the area.

I just think it makes sense to use the billions generated from this beautifully-packaged sport more openly and wisely to help those that might never even have the opportunity to watch a live match.

In truth, the beautiful game, as exciting as it can be, is in need of a financially-fair reality check.

We’re losing sight of the lower leagues as the Premier League becomes the Holy Grail of the beautiful game.

That’s why I’m so glad both The Capital One Cup and the FA Cup have had their fair share of giant-killings and fairytale endings this season, with the likes of Bradford City getting to Wembley.

If we don’t balance the books soon dreams like this will be no more and we simply can’t afford to let that happen.
 
• What would you tells the clubs to do to redeem themselves? Tell us what you think at: sports@camdennewjournal.com