There is a further new guest blog link to the bottom of the article by Eloise.
Dear Members of the LCFC Board,
I am writing on behalf of The Rights of Fans WhatsApp group to address the proposal to establish Lewes FC Holdings Ltd. While we recognize the financial challenges facing the club and the importance of strong governance, the recent updates—shared just two days before the final consultation meeting—fail to resolve key concerns. These include safeguarding community ownership, transparency, and accountability, as well as reaffirming Equality FC and budget parity.
I am afraid the whole setting up of the Lewes FC Holdings Ltd proposal smacks of rushed “back of a fag packet,” on the hoof policymaking, lacking the depth, foresight, and careful planning expected.
The 4/1 email indeed marks the FIRST clear mention of evolving the LCFC constitution and governance model, introducing a significant shift in decision-making at Lewes FC. It appears evident that policy making will predominantly rest with an unelected grouup of professionals on the Lewes FC Holdings Ltd, with their decisions merely being ratified by the LCFC Board. This is a fundamental departure from the principles of fan ownership and democratic governance that have been central to Lewes FC’s identity.
As this is the first time you explicitly mention the FSA, who oversee fan-owned clubs, are we to assume that their guidance has highlighted that simply “doing what you want” would be in breach of the current constitution, hence the sudden need to “work with them”? If this is the case, it is a surprising and significant omission throughout the consultation period. Perhaps you can confirm whether the FSA has raised specific concerns about the proposed changes and their alignment with the existing governance framework. Can you confirm yes or no and whether these changes will require a members vote?
What is particularly concerning is that this pivotal change was not disclosed at any point during the consultation period until just two days before the final consultation meeting . The timing of this revelation raises serious questions about the transparency and intent behind the consultation process. If this structural change had been central to the proposal from the outset, why was it not openly discussed earlier?
This new governance model effectively transfers policy-making power away from fan representatives—elected by the community—and places it in the hands of board-appointed professionals. While these professionals may bring expertise, they are unelected and lack direct accountability to the owners and supporters. This fundamentally undermines the ethos of community-driven governance and the principle that decisions should reflect the voice of the fanbase.
There is no mention of the machinery of the appointments, are they already lined up, are they previous ‘players’ in the running of the club?
To genuinely ensure a new direction, it is imperative that individuals previously involved in the club’s governance, particularly those tied to past investment and operational missteps, are explicitly excluded from consideration.
Owners need transparency in the selection process for the six executive members. Appointments must be open, independent and free from influence by factions tied to the current structure to avoid repeating past mistakes, perpetuating the very issues the new structure is meant to address. To truly embody a fresh start, the executive members must bring be seen to avoid entanglements with past ventures.
The proposal to appoint six “professional” executives to seemingly effectively run the club—with four non-executive members, seemingly sidelined into powerless roles, feels like little more than a token gesture to appease concerns about community representation. Astonishingly, despite the critical importance of matchday revenue and community events, there is still no mention of appointing a professional with expertise in catering and entertainment. Given the club’s reliance on these areas for financial stability, this omission is not just baffling—it’s a glaring oversight that raises serious doubts about the competence of those shaping this policy. To put it bluntly, the authors of this plan appear out of their depths, failing to address fundamental operational needs.
Additionally, the departure from the previously advertised 18-member board, which was far more representative of the club membership, underscores the ad hoc nature of this process. It feels as though the rules are being rewritten as we go along, reinforcing the impression that this policy lacks thought, structure, and genuine accountability. These missteps only heighten concerns that this entire governance overhaul is being driven by expediency rather than a coherent, well-considered vision for the club’s future.
Additionally, there are no guarantees to protect the club’s independence from investor influence. Without clearly defined safeguards, the risk of mission drift remains high. The proposal continues to sidestep critical questions: How will investors be vetted to ensure alignment with the club’s values? What legal protections will prevent the dilution of community ownership through future share issuance? These are fundamental issues that demand clear answers, yet they remain ignored.
Perhaps most troubling is the continued silence on Equality FC and budget parity, cornerstones of the club’s identity. Why has the Board not explicitly reaffirmed these principles? Failure to address this raises fears that such commitments could be abandoned in the future, potentially tied to large investments. This scenario cannot be left to speculation and must be clarified immediately.
Are Lewes FC determined to hand an unelected board a blank canvas, effectively disregarding the seven years of hard work, investment, and commitment poured into Equality FC? The lack of transparency surrounding the new board raises serious concerns. Without proper clarification, the entire proposal risks feeling increasingly opaque and, frankly, a bit grubby.
To restore trust and preserve the club’s core values, we urge the Board to take the following steps:
- Explicitly Reaffirm Equality FC: Publicly commit to maintaining budget parity as a non-negotiable principle, regardless of future governance changes or investor preferences.
- Ensure Governance Safeguards: Legally enshrine protections for community ownership and LCFC’s oversight of the holding company.
- Commit to Transparency: Clearly define how the holding company will report to the LCFC Board and the wider community, with regular updates on key decisions and financial performance.
- Guarantee Accountability: Ensure that Executive Board members are answerable to the community, with mechanisms to hold them accountable for their decisions.
- Engage the Community Fully: Any updates to the LCFC Constitution must be put to a members’ vote, with meaningful consultation and the incorporation of feedback into the final proposal.
This proposal, as it stands, is too vague, too rushed, and too reliant on future promises. Without concrete assurances and legally binding safeguards, it risks jeopardizing the values and identity that make Lewes FC unique. We call on the Board to act decisively to protect the club’s independence, uphold its principles, and ensure that community ownership remains central to its future.
Kind regards,
The Rights of Fans
The Rights of Fans. 