THE president of the Liberal Democrats has tabled an early day motion in Parliament calling for new legislation in English football – citing the ‘financial and organisational chaos’ at Blackburn Rovers.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale in Cumbria and a lifelong Rovers fan, tabled the motion in the House of Commons on Monday morning.

It said: “This House is increasingly concerned about the lack of transparency in English football, leading to disenfranchised communities of supporters and a less sustainable national game.

“It believes that while identity of owners is a key issue when regarding transparency, secrecy pervades many further aspects of the game such as a club’s financial condition, fees paid to agents and wider club operations.

“It notes the believed extent of the financial and organisational chaos caused by lack of transparency since the Venky’s takeover nearly three years ago at Blackburn Rovers FC.

“It laments the current state of regulation in football, which desperately needs more independent voices to challenge self-interest and to empower the key stakeholder, a club’s fanbase, to enable greater vigilance over its club’s behaviour and performance.

“And it calls on the Government to support the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s suggestion of introducing legislation if the football authorities have not progressed far enough to promote sustainability and transparency in the given timeframe, as long as this legislation is time-limited.”

The Blackburn Rovers FC Action Group are attempting to set up another meeting with Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson.

The Action Group’s committee met on Monday and are continuing their own inquiries.

“We’ve been given a few new leads to investigate,” said communications officer Phil Thompson.

“New people have come forward to speak.”

* Benfica want to sign Rovers midfielder Diogo Rosado on another loan deal next season, but Italian side Lazio have also been linked with an interest in the 23-year-old.

Rosado moved to Benfica on loan in January and reports in Portugal have suggested they have an option to make the move permanent this summer for a fee of around £400,000.

But the former Portugal under 21 international only featured for Benfica’s B team, who are now interested in a season-long loan.