In my view and some people I know within the sports employ, there is nothing inherently wrong with franchising: BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has got to be more transparent, not an invisible panel who present the results and some of the details and information related to it, but an open assessment of the criteria and the grading of each clubs submission and make that public.
That should be a condition of the application that you consent to having the assessment published.
Then, at that stage, there is nothing to argue about - at least everyone knows why one club is selected above any other, as it is based on opinion and people's assessment too, you could also include a clause that said by submitting an application you waive the right to challenge the decision legally and the panel decision is final.
That way you protect the process, but also allow people to see why and how decisions are made in a transparent way.
(Only my opinion, but the furore each time seems to be over perceived dodgy deals or if's and ands, at least this way if you agree or not, it is transparent.)