Supporters Direct founder passes away

Brian Lomax, founder of Supporters Direct, UEFA's long-standing football sustainability partner, has died at the age of 67.

Lomax held different roles at Supporters Direct, helping fans and communities to set up democratic cooperatives, known as supporters' trusts, to gain influence in the running and ownership of their clubs. After being instrumental in the formation of Supporters Direct, Brian was appointed managing director, and later became chairman of the organisation.

UEFA Executive Committee member and chairman of the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee, Peter Gilliéron, said. "Brian leaves a significant legacy to supporters groups across Europe with his achievements, including the launch of Supporters Direct. Football is a sport in which the bond between supporters and clubs is vital and his work has ensured that they become even closer, promoting supporters' club ownership. We are saddened to learn of the passing of such an inspirational figure."

Supporters Direct advocates greater accountability and democratic representation within football clubs and within football's governing structures, as well as in other sports. Lomax's pioneering work with trusts substantially helped the development not just of Supporters Direct in the UK, but also of Supporters Direct Europe – now active in over 20 European countries.

Representing England as one of the eight members of the Club Financial Control Body between 2009 and 2011, Brian also made a substantial contribution to UEFA's activities in the field of financial fair play, working towards achieving more transparency and guaranteeing equality in UEFA competitions. We will remember Brian as a pioneer in his field.

Find out more about the work of Brian Lomax and Supporters Direct