May 12 – Tottenham have become the second club from the breakaway Big Six to introduce fan representation on the board, apologising “unreservedly” for their role in the European Super League (ESL) in the process.
The London club will appoint a non-executive board member from an independent club advisory panel, composed of elected fan representatives.
In a statement, Tottenham wrote: “We should have challenged and reconsidered the annual access system. We wholeheartedly regret that we involved the Club and that the legal process itself meant we were unable to consult our fans early on – we apologise unreservedly.
“We have all learnt lessons from recent events and have reviewed fan engagement as a priority. As a result we shall be liaising with key stakeholders and establishing a Club Advisory Panel, comprised of elected representatives from the different constituencies of our fanbase, inclusive and reflective of our fans’ diversity. The Chair of this Panel will be appointed annually as a full Non-Executive of the Club Board. We believe this provides for authentic, genuine representation and will ensure fans are at the heart of Club decision-making, something we greatly welcome.”
Last week, Chelsea responded to the wave of criticism against the ESL by opening the board to fan representation. Three supporter advisors will attend board meetings to ensure that general supporter sentiment is considered as part of the club’s decision-making process.
Chelsea said that that the criteria involved for being able to attend the meetings will be representative of the club’s supporter base, taking into account diversity. Every season new supporter advisors will be picked. They, however, won’t have any voting rights and won’t be allowed to attend any meetings involving first-team decisions and the academy.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1735058317labto1735058317ofdlr1735058317owedi1735058317sni@o1735058317fni1735058317