March 19, (THEWILL)- The British Government has unveiled plans to establish an independent regulator to oversee football in England.
A bill introduced in Parliament on Tuesday proposes measures aimed at ensuring financial stability and giving fans a greater say in the running of their clubs.
The proposed regulator would operate independently from the government and football authorities. It would wield the power to fine clubs up to 10% of their turnover for breaching financial regulations. Stringent tests would assess the suitability of prospective club owners, while any attempts to form closed-shop competitions like a breakaway European Super League would be blocked.
Crucially, the legislation mandates that clubs consult their fans on matters of strategic importance and any issues impacting a club’s heritage. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the bill as “a historic moment for football fans”, saying it will ensure their voices are heard while safeguarding clubs from mismanagement that could lead to financial ruin.
The government’s announcement follows the failure of the English Premier League and English Football League to reach a new financial settlement last week. Ministers had warned the top flight it risked having a deal imposed if it did not find an agreement to support lower divisions.
While welcoming efforts to secure sustainability, the EPL voiced concerns about potential “unintended consequences” hampering its competitiveness.
The plans have divided opinion, with the English Football League praising the regulator’s proposed “backstop powers”. However, West Ham owner David Sullivan questioned the need for “an interfering government” willing to amend a “winning formula”.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
