Blackpool FC placed in top half of table in new football fairness index
and live on Freeview channel 276
Fair Game – a campaign group working to improve how football is governed – says the sport needs a “reboot”, with many clubs in lower leagues struggling financially.
The organisation has put together a new index of fairness in football, using over 80 sources of data on the finances, commitment to equality, fan engagement and governance of clubs in England's top leagues.
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Hide AdBlackpool scored 44 out of 100 on the index – putting it ninth of all clubs in League One last season.
In the Championship, Norwich City topped the rankings, with Burnley taking the second spot and West Bromwich Albion in third.
At the other end of the table, Middlesbrough were bottom – followed by Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers.
Fair Game is calling for lower league clubs to receive a greater proportion of television revenue, particularly for better-run clubs – such as those with sustainable financial models, or good fan engagement.
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Hide AdMark Middling, director of financial policy for Fair Game, said “Football is unsustainable. Since the start of the Premier League, there have been 64 incidents of clubs in the top four divisions going into administration.
“Companies House data reveals that 44 of the top 92 were technically insolvent in 2022, and 31% of clubs were spending more than they earn on players’ wages – that figure rises to 68% when you look at the Championship."
“The culture of penalties to control clubs has failed. Football needs a reboot,” he added.
Under their proposals, Premier League clubs would contribute 25% of their revenue to lower league clubs, alongside 10% of all transfer fees.
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Hide AdThis would see Blackpool receive an estimated £11.6 million – which would be £6 million more than they do under the current model of redistributing funds.
According to the index, the club ranked seventh in League One for its financial sustainability.
The findings also show Blackpool is signed up to the Living Wage Scheme – which commits employers to pay all staff a minimum of £10.90, or £11.95 if they are based in London.