YORK City have been ranked in first position for the Vanarama National League in the Fair Game Index.

The Fair Game Index rates football clubs based on four criteria set out in a fan-led review, looking at financial stability, good governance, fan engagement and equality standards.

York ranked in 21st position overall out of the 164 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs, with City also topping the rankings within the National League.

A team of academics, accountants and analysts reviewed circa 226 points to reach a final decision on how the Minstermen would rank, scoring York with a 51.9.

The Fair Game Index is based on extensive research, working closely with clubs, supporters groups, academies and experts within the industry to review how each club conduct their business.

The four previously stated criteria all weigh differently within the final rankings, with financial measures at 40 per cent, governance at 30 per cent, equality and ethical standards at 20 per cent and fan and community engagement at 10 per cent.

Financial measures will review the submitted club documents on how their financial status currently stands, with City’s available to read HERE, whilst governance details the underpinning sustainability of the club.

The equality and ethnic standards category sees how club’s manage inclusion, whilst fan engagement is how club’s interact with supporters.

York scored 33.3 out of 40 on their financial measures, as well as a 6.5 out of 30 on their governance.

On equality and ethnic standards, City scored 3.4 out of 20, with a 8.7 out of 10 on fan engagement.

These scores saw the Minstermen rank highest in the National League for both financial measures and fan engagement, whilst Rochdale ranked highest on governance with 14.7, and highest on equality and ethnic standards with 5.8.

Chesterfield, who are still included as a National League club in the Fair Game Index report, finished in second behind York, followed by Rochdale, Oldham Athletic and Oxford City.

AFC Fylde, Dorking Wanderers and FC Halifax Town ranked the lowest points in the National League.

For more information on the report, you can click HERE.