Labour considers football club ownership legislation

Labour is considering giving football fans first refusal on the purchase of shares in their clubs when they are put up for sale, it was reported.

Clubs could even be required to hand over stakes of up to 25% to supporters' groups, the Guardian claimed.

The move is apparently set to be included in Labour's general election manifesto as part of an attempt to increase the influence of supporters in football clubs.

It comes amid increasing concern about the degree of foreign ownership of teams and the perceived low levels of commitment from shareholders with little affinity with the clubs.

The Guardian reported that Number 10 was involved in the plans, which include introducing a window during which fans would have time to gather the support and resources for a takeover of clubs that were put up for sale.

The Government is also said to be looking at an overhaul of the governance of football.