Why Barcelona aren't a model club... but Gunners are

By John Cross

Published 22:58 02/02/11

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There is no love lost between Arsenal and Barcelona over the Cesc Fabregas affair.

That's why it is always a bit galling for Arsenal supporters to hear how Barcelona's member system - where the fans all co-own the club - is the model of how a club should be run.

Now, Arsenal fans have even made their point to Government - and urged them to get involved should Barcelona start sniffing around Fabregas again this summer. Imagine that - a Government inquiry into the Fabregas transfer. Well, sort of.

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust made a presentation to a Select Committee of MPs making a report to Government on how clubs should be run and good governance within football.

Tim Payton, of the AST, said: "Arsenal fans are sick of hearing Barcelona promoted as a role model of how a club should be run.

"Barcelona is owned by its supporters but sadly this does not mean they act with any decorum or in the long-term interests of the game.

"Not only do they blatantly tap up other club's players, they do so using funds generated from excessive debt or television deals that distort the Spanish league.

"This inquiry is a good opportunity to demonstrate that good governance is not just how a club is owned, but how it behaves.

"The AST has asked the Parliamentary committee to raise this issues with Uefa and make sure that in future football's rule book is applied to Barcelona as much as any other club."

The MPs visited the Emirates on Tuesday and even heard from Arsene Wenger on how clubs should be run.

The AST is a shining example as it allows supporters to part-own shares, have a say on club matters and be represented at board level.

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