Liberal Democrats are set to pass a motion condemning football clubs for trying to win their games.
In an unusual approach to competitive sport, the motion reads: “Conference is concerned that: A) Winning has become the primary motive in the sport — leading to financial risk-taking, high debt levels and almost a hundred instances of club bankruptcy since 1992.”
A party spokesman denied the aim was to make players more relaxed about losing, saying the real target was commercial bosses.
The motion also calls for a ban on homophobic chanting, and the creation of supporters’ trusts.
The spokesman said: “We have seen how some football clubs are increasingly more concerned in short-term wins rather than long-term sustainability of the club.
“Supporters, businesses and employees rely on these clubs, and we believe that short-term business decisions should not take precedent over long-term security for both fans and players alike.”