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The government will urge football authorities to submit to a scrutineering body overseeing all club takeovers. The recommendation will be made at a summit to thrash out measures to improve governance in the game.

The sports minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, hopes to meet the Football Association, Premier League and Football League within weeks and will push for the introduction of a Takeover Panel-style body to regulate the process. Currently the bodies employ their own measures, with varying degrees of stringency.

In a letter to the football authorities three weeks ago, Sutcliffe wrote: "We [have] asked you to consider what must be done to uphold the highest standards of governance and keep one step ahead of the challenges the game faces – now and in the future.

"It is clear that the strengthening of the 'fit and proper' persons test will be an ongoing and rigorous process, and I would encourage you to work together on this going forward. It would be helpful if you could consider whether or not the test should be administered through a separate, independent body."

Sutcliffe confirmed to Digger: "One of my suggestions could be for a Takeover Panel to be introduced. I like that idea."

Controversy has reigned as, under existing rules, there is still no clarity over who owns Leeds United and Notts County – the Football League has still has not confirmed that either club's ownership structure is satisfactory. Both leagues have requested government assistance in investigating offshore entities. Sutcliffe recognises that if a Takeover Panel were introduced it would be possible to hold club purchases in abeyance while they undergo regulatory scrutiny.

(Source: Guardian.co.uk)