The Football Association (FA) has insisted that there is 'no justification' for direct government intervention in the running of the domestic game.

In a response to the culture, media and sport committee inquiry into football governance, the national governing body said any such move could even lead to FIFA sanctions. According to the FA, professional football clubs are not the same as other commercial firms and therefore demands a "unique" regulatory approach in the interest of supporters.

The organisation, however, did accept that it may have to be more proactive when reacting to changes within the game. An inquiry into the governance of domestic football has been convened by the government over concerns over how the game is run.

Last month, sports minister Hugh Robertson described football as the "worst-governed" sport in the country. "Football governance issues need attention and action, which I believe is precisely why the select committee has responded to the anxiety throughout the House and announced its investigation," he told MPs.