The Sweeper: Fan Power Your chance to reclaim the game

THE GOVERNMENT'S Task Force will not now have its final report ready by Monday as expected, which, given the history of the process, is not a surprise. The release date will now be next Wednesday, 22 December, and it is expected that the report will effectively be in two parts (the fans' views and the authorities views), prefaced by a piece from David Mellor, who is expected to write something largely conciliatory to make it appear that the two sides are not so far apart in their opinions. The Football Supporters' Association is confident it has enough support within the Task Force to have its view properly heard, but will have to wait to see whether the Sports Minister, Kate Hoey, will actually act and do something for ordinary fans. Watch this space.

YESTERDAY'S NEWS that Sky is buying an interest in a fourth club is worrying. That Sky admits that it is only interested in completing the transaction if Sunderland stay up is evidence that the broadcaster has rights' exploitation as its raison d'etre for moving into club ownership. The Coalition of Football Supporters is increasingly worried about this development and its major campaign in the new year will be to make sure fans do not lose out. For more details contact Cofs or visit the website.

Football Supporters' Association: PO Box 11, Liverpool, L26 1XP. Tel: 0151 737 2385. Web: www.fsa.org.uk

Coalition of Football Supporters: Tel: 0113 237 4545. Web: www.cofs.co.uk