A new 80/20 rule for fans of Premier League clubs in order to keep that absolutely vital local identity?

With Premier League clubs it has become an increasingly difficult issue for fans to get tickets for matches. Especially with the biggest clubs who have the largest fanbases.

For so many supporters, a belief that Premier League clubs are cynically looking to dilute the traditional local support. Trying their best to reduce the number of local fans with season tickets and those living in close proximity who in the past would usually buy up most of the match by match tickets.

These Premier League clubs instead attempting to make a wholesale change and turn most of their stadiums over to those who live further away and willing to pay more. There is no worse sight than watching a match live on TV from certain stadiums and when a goal is scored, most of those inside the ground using their phones to take photos and footage of the occasion, rather than celebrating the goal.

Before all is lost, I think swift direct definitive action must be taken to ensure Premier League clubs are not stolen away from their traditional fanbases. To ensure that the vast majority of seats at every stadium are filled by those who have grown up supporting their local club.

A local club for local people if you like. How can this be implemented and policed?

Many of you will have heard of the 50+1 rule in Germany. This is a rule whereby all Bundesliga clubs must have over 50% of each club owned by fans, so at least 50% of the shareholding plus one share.

My idea would be a kind of 80+1 for Premier League clubs. However, instead of at least 80% local ownership by fans (although this would be very much the ideal!) of all Premier League clubs, instead over 80% of the seats at matches filled by those who live locally.

So 80%+ of all tickets having to be sold and used by fans who live within say 10 to 15 miles of the stadium. The Premier League clubs having to prove they are doing this for every match and a duty to do spot checks every game with matchgoing fans needing photo ID that proves they live locally, within that 10/15 mile radius.

The independent football regulator can then police the Premier League clubs to ensure they are fulfilling their commitment to the new ticketing rules. This wouldn't exclude new fans from elsewhere or football tourists, they would just be sharing the 20% or so of capacity for each match, along with away supporters and corporates.