In a piece of groundbreaking news for the Stamford Bridge fans, the decision arrives following the uproar that the club had to confront for their presence in the defunct European Super League.
Chelsea have announced that they will allow supporter representatives to participate in board meetings from next season.
A few weeks ago, Chelsea announced that they were one of the twelve’ founding members’ to sign up for the controversial European Super League. In response, the Blues fans protested against their inclusion – gathering outside the stadium in large numbers, chanting and lighting flares ahead of Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. Their counterparts from the other English clubs involved in the breakaway league joined the movement, and the ‘top-six’ teams of the ESL withdrew from the tournament just 48 hours later.
The collapse paved the way for the fans who now wanted more participation in club decisions, and on Tuesday Chelsea announced that three fans, also known as supporter advisors, would attend board meetings to confirm “supporter sentiment” is considered in the club’s decision-making process.
“Chelsea Football Club announces that, as from 1 July, there will be supporter presence at the club’s board meetings,”
“Three supporter advisors, picked through an election and selection process, will attend board meetings to ensure general supporter sentiment is considered as part of the club’s decision-making process.”
“The club will now consult with the Fans’ Forum and several non-official supporter groups to discuss the club’s proposed process for picking the three supporter advisors.
“Criteria for nominations as well as final selection will ensure that the supporter presence is representative of our supporter base generally and is inclusive and diverse. A new selection will be made before the start of each season.”
“The successful candidates will be required to enter into a confidentiality agreement, similar in scope to the confidentiality obligations of a member of the Chelsea Football Club board of directors. This will allow the club to discuss and seek advice on a broad range of matters.
“Supporter advisors will attend approximately four meetings per year, and more if appropriate. If they complete the year successfully they will be entitled to select a UK registered charity to receive a contribution of £2,500 from the club.”
the club statement read.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust welcomed the decision, describing it as a “big step in the right direction.” They then added that the fans’ presence at board meetings will stop further “catastrophic decisions” (ESL) and are “proud” that the club has finally committed to this action. They also warned Roman Abramovic and his board members that the club should not see the chosen representatives as a “box-ticking exercise” and urged them to “listen, consult and react to supporters’ views.”
Meanwhile, Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool, have reportedly met with Reds supporters for their potential inclusion in the club’s boardroom. According to several British media outlets Billy Hogan, the club’s chief executive, had a discussion with Spirit of Shankly, the Liverpool supporters’ union, on Tuesday, with the meeting concluding in a “positive” outcome.
The aftermath of the Super League scandal saw John W. Henry, the club’s principal owner, apologising to the fans following a series of mass demonstrations outside Anfield right before their Premier League fixture at Leeds. He also agreed that the FSG group would seek the supporters’ consent in a bid to rebuild the mutual trust between both parties.
But fans of all the six clubs have been involved in protests against their owners and their role in the Super League even way after its demise, with Manchester United supporters turning violent before their derby against Liverpool last Sunday. Hundreds of United fans broke into the stadium and descended on the pitch to protest the ownership of the Glazer family. The match was postponed, and a police officer was left with a wound on his face after being attacked with a bottle.
