The Football Supporters’ Federation is asking supporters to complete an online survey about the EFL’s so-called Whole Game Solution reforms so that they can present the views of genuine supporters to the EFL at a meeting scheduled for next month.
The EFL is consulting with its 72 member clubs about a wide range of proposals that, if implemented, would affect the structure of the bottom three divisions and the English football calendar. The proposals include:
- regionalising the bottom two divisions
- creating a fourth division
- having a winter break
- moving two rounds of the FA Cup.
Reactions to the proposals have already forced the EFL to back away from two of the more controversial original ones: they now say that any reforms will definitely not see Premier League B teams or clubs from Scotland joining the EFL, and clubs in Leagues One and Two will play through any winter break should it be introduced.
But the proposals still on the table are controversial, and the FSF is keen to hear the views of fans from around the country.
“We want to gather your thoughts on the Whole Game Solution and the other issues it raises in order to take the views of genuine supporters to the EFL,” they said in a statement. “The FSF will lead a delegation of fans meeting the EFL next month, and the Whole Game Solution will be top of the agenda.”
The Dons Trust is aiming to do its own consultation of Wimbledon fans on the proposals, the results of which will be fed through to the FSF as well as informing our own stance, but in the meantime we urge all fans of the club to complete this FSF survey. We have been told that it will be online until towards the end of this coming week (closing around 21 October).
The EFL’s Whole Game Solution proposals are separate from, but connected with, their controversial changes to the Checkatrade Trophy, which now includes U23 teams from Premier League and Championship clubs.
This article originally appeared in the matchday programme for the game against Swindon Town, played on October 15, 2016.