(Image source from: Ownership to fans})

Football fans could have a greater say in the running of their clubs, under radical plans proposed by Labour.

Supporters would have seats on every board and the right to buy a significant slice of a club's shares when its ownership changes.

Labour says it would be "the biggest legislative shake-up in the governance of English and Welsh football clubs since the advent of the game".

Only 14 league clubs currently have fan representatives on their board.

Swansea City are the only Premier League outfit among the 14, with the Swansea City Supporters Trust owning 20% of the club.

But if Labour wins next year's General Election, fans' trusts could be able to appoint and remove up to a quarter - and not less than two - of a club's directors.

Sports Minister Helen Grant MP told she was "concerned and cross" about the rising cost of ticket prices.

But Shadow Sports Minister Clive Efford MP said Labour's plans are the only way to ensure supporters have a say in how their club is run

Football supporters have been promised a lot by successive governments but, in reality, have seen nothing of significance change," said MUST.

"We hope today is the start of each party laying out its clear vision for football beyond 2015 and how it will protect the rights of supporters."

However, Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey was wary, pointing out that most club owners are fans, too.

"We have to be careful not to create barriers that act as a disincentive to the next generation of owners and directors, as the game will suffer as a consequence," he said.

The Premier League sounded a more neutral note, welcoming "the invitation to discuss" Labour's ideas, while pointing out its own measures to tackle club debt, bring in supporter liaison officers and its financial backing for the Football Supporters' Federation and Supporters Direct.

AW Arun kumar