http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8924722.stm Arsenal have backed a groundbreaking new scheme which aims to give its fans more influence in the club's affairs. The new 'Arsenal Fanshare' initiative is a means of buying small fractions of full shares at an affordable price. Ownership of a single 'fanshare' - one hundredth of an actual share - means a member has the chance to ask questions of the directors and vote on policy. The Gunners are currently majority-owned by four shareholders, all of whom collectively support the new scheme. Set up by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust (AST), the aim of the scheme is not for Arsenal to be taken over by fans - but to allow more supporters to have greater involvement in the club's future, much like supporters of Barcelona, for example, are able to do in Spain. Arsenal Fanshare has been established to increase supporter ownership and representation A single share in Arsenal Holdings PLC currently trades at more than £10,000 each. But - to buy one 'fanshare' - supporters will be invited to pay a minimum of £100, either up front or in £10 monthly contributions. In return a member secures full shareholder's rights, which includes the chance to attend the club's annual general meeting. The backing from Arsenal's majority shareholders Stan Kroenke, Alisher Usmanov, Danny Fiszman and Lady Bracewell-Smith - who between them own almost 88% of the shares - could be viewed as significant...
