What's happening

The government has announced plans to set up a new governing body or "regulator" which will decide how British football clubs are run.

The regulator's new rules will insist that fans are involved when it comes to decisions such as choosing the logo, kit and names of their teams. The rules also mean that teams will only be able to compete in approved tournaments.

In addition, the regulator will prevent historic clubs from closing by sharing funds from wealthier clubs, as well as setting up tests in which club owners must prove they are suitable for the job and have built their own wealth legally.

Find out more

The new announcement raises questions as to how far fans should be involved with the running of their clubs, as well as whether clubs be left to govern themselves independently. Should anyone should be allowed to buy and own a British football club? If not, why not?

Whoever controls and manages British football, surely we need to make sure it survives but also that it is managed fairly.

Yes! Football would not exist as a professional sport and industry without its fans providing vital income to the clubs. Therefore they deserve a say in how it is run.

No! Football's financial contribution to the UK economy is huge and football is a business as well as a sport. As such it should be run by professional businessmen who understand how to ensure its success and profitability.