Football League Introduces Director Test

At the Football League's Annual General Meeting held in Chester this afternoon it was agreed by the leagues clubs that the new rule which will safeguard clubs by not allowing directors who are deemed unfit to become board members to do so will come into effect from next season.

Under the new rule it means that anybody falling into the current categories would not be allowed to be a board member for a club:

Anyone subject to a ban from a Sports governing Body relating to the administration of that sport

Anyone with an unspent conviction relating to fraud or dishonesty.

Anyone that is disqualified from acting as a director of a UK registered company

Anyone currently subject to ta Bankruptcy order

Anyone who has been a director of a club that has been in administration twice during a five-year period, or a director of two difference clubs that have each gone into administraion in a five-year period

Speaking of the announcement, Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney told the Official Football League Site: "In the last twelve months The Football League has made considerable progress in terms of bringing new standards of corporate governance to football. I believe this is perhaps the most progressive and important step taken to date.

“Too many times in recent history we have seen the good work of the vast majority of club directors being tarnished by a handful of rogue individuals. This has negative consequences for The League as a whole and it is not acceptable.

“I am delighted that club Chairmen have taken this brave decision and that The Football League continues to take the lead in these vital football areas.”