Birmingham – FSF’s May Newsletter

Hello and welcome to the Football Supporters’ Federation’s monthly round-up. Another season over and we hope it was a good ‘un for you. But if not, there’s always next year. It’s the hope we can’t stand?

With the season over some of our focus shifted to England’s upcoming games in Slovenia and the Republic of Ireland. We produce an England fanzine called Free Lions for their travelling supporters, advising on transport/safety issues as well as the best places to eat and drink.

Pleased to say we also had a bit of a win for England’s loyal travelling fans over their loyalty cap system. The FA had basically rejigged the system so that home fans received more loyalty points than away fans, which didn’t make any sense and was massively unpopular. After discussions with the FSF we’re pleased to say they’ve reviewed that.

Speaking of international football, we see FIFA are back in the spotlight after the US Department for Justice and Swiss authorities brought corruption charges against numerous individuals. We`re sure fans across the world are stunned – stunned! – to hear that FIFA isn’t the squeaky clean organisation we’d always presumed it to be? Only joking, fans have long presumed that corruption was endemic in FIFA’s structures and processes; the only surprise here is that someone has finally acted to intervene and make arrests.

With an inquiry being launched into allegations of bribery in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding processes, there now has to be an even bigger question mark over whether those tournaments can go ahead as if nothing has happened. The case for a root-and-branch transformation of FIFA’s decision-making processes could not have been more clearly underlined.

Onto more positive things and we recently teamed up with Football Beyond Borders to help promote projects they’re working on across London to support young people, one of which is this great video by 13-year-old Matthew Young from FBB visiting Dulwich Hamlet FC, to meet their fans and manager.

FSF caseworker Amanda Jacks also wrote about the Independent Football Ombudsman and her fears that he gives “no adequate protection” to fans, thanks to limited powers and clubs’ willingness to ignore his rulings.

Finally, Monday 11th May was the 30th anniversary of the Bradford Fire Disaster. Paul Keat, chair of Leeds United Supporters Trust, attended the 30th Anniversary Memorial of the Bradford City fire on behalf of the Football Supporters’ Federation. Paul reflects on the day, and what it means to fans of all clubs, here.