LONDON (Dispatches) - Several former footballers have launched a parliamentary petition calling for an independent regulator in English football.
Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker are among 23 ex-players and journalists to undersign an open letter to fans.
They say April’s European Super League attempted breakaway demonstrates the need to reform the game’s governance.
The petition was signed by more than 20,000 people in its first hour.
For it to be considered for a parliamentary debate, 100,000 signatures are required.
“As football fans, we were appalled by the attempt to set up a European Super League,” reads the letter, which has also been signed by Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards.
“It was a direct threat to the integrity of the game; destroying the concept of sporting merit and open competition.
“Now we must make sure this never happens again. Without swift and direct intervention, the return of a European Super League will be a constant threat.”