"What is the fit and proper persons test?" is a question that has been flying around the footballing world over last few months. Much of this because of the problems at Bury, Bolton and numerous other clubs in lower league and non-league football. But what is it? And why do clubs still have problematic owners if this test exists?
The test was introduced by the FA in 2004 following concerns that anyone - even those convicted of fraud - could buy a football club without opposition from the authorities. The test aims to ensure clubs are protected from these people who are not 'fit and proper' to run them.
Although fans have welcomed this change and have seen improvement from before its inception, many believe it does not go far enough. Steve Dale bought Bury for £1 in December 2018 taking on its unpaid bills and mounting debt. But surely the FA and EFL would foresee the problems with this sale? Out of the 51 companies he has owned, 43 of them have gone into liquidation, and Steve Dale even said he did not know Bury had a football club until he bought it.
Since its inception in 2004 it has gone through changes, with Premier League, EFL and National League Clubs all currently under the Owners and Directors Test, which applies to any prospective owner attempting to obtain a minimum 25% stake in the club.
The Football Supporters Association has proposed amendments to the current Owners and Directors test stating that people seeking to buy a football club must "submit a business plan outlining how they will operate the business." The FSA said: "Clubs must demonstrate that their business plan contains satisfactory proposals for running the club sustainably, and in accordance with the relevant financial rules and regulations."
David Richardson, Senior Writer at the Non-League Paper, believes that although the test is in need of reform, much of the issue is caused by these struggling clubs themselves when choosing new owners.
"Being in a difficult situation they are so desperate to get someone in that they don't take into account who these people are," He said. "That is where the FA needs to be the independent mediator."
The Fit and Proper Persons Teat (Currently known as Owners and Directors Test) is likely to change over considering recent controversies. But will this lead the desired change in the financial stability of football clubs in England, or do the clubs themselves need to step up?
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