UK government will establish separate football regulator

By introducing a bill in Parliament, the UK government intends to create an independent football regulator to manage the sport and promote financial stability.  

The government said in a news statement on Tuesday that the regulator will be independent of both football authorities and the government, and that it will have the authority to fine clubs up to 10% of their turnover for breaking financial standards. 

The proposed regulation aims to enhance the evaluation processes for club administrators and prohibit "closed-shop competitions" like the European Super League, which is regularly suggested.  

Clubs would also be required to confer with supporters on issues pertaining to their legacy and strategic orientation.  

“For too long some clubs have been abused by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. 

“This bill is a historic moment for football fans it will make sure their voices are front and centre, prevent a breakaway league, protect the financial sustainability of clubs, and protect the heritage of our clubs big and small.” 

“Football is nothing without its fans,” Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said. 

“We are determined to put them back at the heart of the game, and ensure clubs as vital community assets continue to thrive. 

"The game will be placed on a sustainable footing by the new independent regulator of football, strengthening clubs and the football pyramid as a whole for generations to come."  

The Premier League, the most lucrative and widely watched domestic league in the world, announced that it would closely collaborate with the government and examine the bill in light of the possibility of its powers being curtailed. The league had previously expressed concerns regarding the possibility that a regulator would negatively impact its capacity to draw in investment. 

The EFL praised the legislation. 

In a press statement, Chairman Rick Parry stated, "We hope [it] will be an important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability of England's football pyramid."  

"The cornerstone of this reform will be the creation of an independent football regulator, and we are encouraged that the regulator will be given backstop powers to deliver financial redistributions should the game be unable to agree a deal itself.” 

David Sullivan, the owner of Premier League club West Ham United, said he was opposed to the establishment of a regulator and suggested it would be expensive and inefficient. 

“The Premier League is the best league in the world so why change a winning formula?” he told Sky News. 

“I hope the government don’t wreck something that works. This means we will be competing with teams from leagues in Europe who give a fraction of the money Premier League clubs give to both the EFL and grassroots football. 

“If over the coming seasons the Premier League ceases to be the best league in the world, it will be down to an interfering government.”