Should UK football clubs be fan-owned?

47303

Total votes

14407

5-11 votes

32896

11-16+ votes

Ahead of the UEFA Euros 2024, young people had their say on football fans and their role in the clubs they support.

Secondary, 16+ & College voters were asked: “Should UK football clubs be fan-owned?”, while Primary 7-11 voters discussed: “Would it be better if fans owned UK football clubs?” and Primary 5-7 voters considered: “Are fans an important part of a team?”

47,303 young people in the UK have taken part in this vote.

5-11 voter

No, it will not be better if fans owned UK football clubs as the players will not know who to listen to and how will the clubs pay for the players.

11-16 voter

I think we should because we should be allowed to have a chance and fans know what the game is about and don't want it to change. It would also be lots of fun and get more people involved in the game.

16+ voter

We think that, even if they are privately owned, clubs should be run for the fans and by someone who cares about the club and wants to make the club better, not just to make money.

68% of 7-11-year-olds argued that it wouldn't be better if fans owned UK football clubs.

Primary pupils aged 5-7 were discussing the question, "Are fans an important part of a team?" 88% said 'Yes'.
Older Primary pupils, aged 7-11 were asked, "Would it be better if fans owned UK football clubs?" 68% were against the idea.

77% of Secondary students agreed, voting 'No' to the question, "Should UK football clubs be fan-owned?"

Secondary, College and 16+ students were all answering the question, "Should UK football clubs be fan-owned?"
77% of Secondary students voted 'No', as did 61% of College & 16+ students.

Many young people believed it would be too complicated and ownership should be left to people with more experience.

Some voters argued that fans have the club's best interests at heart and so they should be given the opportunity to make the important decisions.
However, many young people believed it would be too complicated and would lead to confusion for the players. Some highlighted that current club owners have more experience and funds to run the teams effectively than the average football fan.