Football supporters could be handed the right to purchase a 25 per cent share in their club under new proposals being developed by the government.

According to the Guardian, the Labour manifesto for the forthcoming General Election is set to include a pledge that will radically shake-up the ownership structure of English clubs. The plans come amid a number of clubs running into financial difficulties - most notably Portsmouth Football Club, which has become the first Premier League club to enter administration.

Proposals also include a new change-of-control clause for fans to have a window in which to launch a bid for their club if it was up for sale or in administration. However, Labour's plans have been attacked by shadow sports minister Hugh Robertson as a "gimmick", and told the Telegraph that changing rules on governance would have a better chance of increasing supporter influence.

Dave Boyle, chief executive of fans group Supporters Direct, said: "The two parties - one of which will form the basis of the next government - both agree fans should have a stake in the clubs they support and are pledged to work to make it happen."