government Announces Independent English Football Regulator
The UK government has confirmed plans for an independent regulator in English football, which will hold the power to block clubs from joining a breakaway European Super League.
The government will publish its White Paper on football governance on Thursday 23rd February, but has already confirmed the introduction of regulation in the sport.
The plan for a regulator was recommended by a fan-led review last year, following a number of financial issues for clubs throughout English football’s pyramid, and the biggest club’s attempts to break away.
Recommendations from the White Paper will mean the regulator will be able to prevent English clubs from joining new competitions that do not meet a predetermined criterion, in consultation with the FA and fans.
That criteria could include measures to stop clubs participating in closed-shop breakaway competitions which harm the domestic game, such as the infamous European Super League.
Another of the body’s main purposes would be to oversee a licensing system to ensure clubs are run sustainably, following the collapse of Bury and Macclesfield in recent years.
The regulator will also run an owners’ and directors’ test, with a focus on the fitness and propriety of new owners and enhanced due diligence.
It will also make sure fans have a greater say in the running of their clubs, giving them a say if owners try to change aspects of a club’s heritage, such as a team name, badge or home shirt colours.
Ahead of the White Paper’s release the government has stated, ‘The English game remains one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports, with clubs and leagues around the world modelling themselves on its success.
‘That is why the government is today taking the necessary and targeted steps to ensure that continues for generations.’
The Premier League has already responded, sharing its concerns around regulation. The statement read, ‘The Premier League recognises the case for change in football governance and continues to implement stronger and more independent regulation. We are strengthening our ownership rules and are already providing £1.6bn in financial support to the wider game in this current three-year cycle.
‘We appreciate the government’s commitment to protect the Premier League’s continued success. It is vital that regulation does not damage the game fans love to watch in the deepest professional pyramid in the world, or its ability to attract investment and grow interest in our game.
‘We will now work constructively with stakeholders to ensure that the proposed government regulator does not lead to any unintended consequences that could affect the Premier League’s position as the most-watched football league in the world, reduce its competitiveness or put the unrivalled levels of funding we provide at risk.’
