Just one Premier League match on Boxing Day has been criticized by the Co-Operative party for going against a long-standing tradition that unites families, calling it a betrayal to fans. The General Secretary of the Co-operative Party, Joe Fortune, expressed disappointment over the decision, urging the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) to prevent such occurrences in the future.
In a letter addressed to David Kogan, the chair of the IFR, Mr. Fortune emphasized the need for action to address scheduling issues, recommended greater support for grassroots football by the Premier League, and advocated for changes in ownership structures within the sport.
The rationale given for the shift away from tradition was attributed to the increasing demands of European club competitions conflicting with the Premier League’s obligations to broadcast a specific number of matches on weekends, highlighting a trend of prioritizing financial gains over fan experiences.
Mr. Fortune lamented that fans are being priced out of enjoying football, and raised concerns over the dominance of foreign entities in the ownership of top English clubs. He emphasized the importance of keeping sports, especially football, focused on the fans who contribute to its allure through their dedication and involvement in community experiences.
Boxing Day football fixtures have been a significant part of the English football calendar, with matches traditionally held on December 26. This year, there will be a notable decrease in the number of top-flight games played on Boxing Day compared to previous years, marking the fewest matches since the Second World War.
Labour MP Anneliese Midgley, a member of Westminster’s Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee, echoed Mr. Fortune’s sentiments, highlighting the cultural and familial significance of Boxing Day football in English tradition and advocating for greater consideration of fans’ interests in decision-making processes.
In response, a spokesperson for the IFR reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to prioritizing fan engagement in club operations, stating that future licensing requirements will mandate clubs to involve fans in key decisions such as stadium relocations, preservation of club heritage, and ticket pricing. The IFR emphasized its dedication to upholding standards of effective fan engagement and pledged to work with clubs to ensure compliance or impose sanctions as necessary.
