In a significant development for English football, the UK government has announced its intention to introduce legislation to create an independent regulator for the sport. This long-awaited move comes two years after the publication of the fan-led review of football governance, which called for establishing a regulator to oversee the game and protect the interests of fans and clubs.
The government’s decision to proceed with the creation of a regulator has been met with widespread approval from supporters’ groups and those advocating for change within the game. Tracey Crouch MP, the author of the fan-led review, expressed her delight at the news, stating that it represents a “real opportunity” to address the financial sustainability of clubs and give fans a more significant say in how they are run.
The regulator will be responsible for overseeing financial regulation, corporate governance, club ownership, fan engagement, and club heritage protection. It will also have the power to license clubs and enforce compliance with various regulations.
The Premier League has not yet commented publicly on the government’s announcement, but it is understood to be concerned about the potential impact of a regulator on its autonomy. The league has previously proposed a new configuration for the regulator under which it would retain control over much of its regulation.
Fair Game, an alliance of football clubs that has campaigned for reform, welcomed the government’s decision but emphasised the importance of ensuring that the regulator has the necessary powers to deliver effective change. CEO Niall Couper stated that the regulator must be able to resist pressure to weaken its remit and remain focused on providing a fairer future for football.
The anti-racist organisation Kick It Out also expressed its support for establishing a regulator, stressing the need for the governance code to include commitments to guaranteeing equality, diversity, and inclusion. CEO Tony Burnett stated that Kick It Out will continue to push for the inclusion of substantive EDI measures, including mandatory transparency of representation and discrimination data.
The government has already advertised for an interim chief operating officer for the regulator, and the culture, media, and sport committee chair, Caroline Dinenage MP, has called for swift action in setting up the body. She has urged the government to establish the regulator in shadow form by the end of the year.
Introducing an independent football regulator is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issues that have plagued English football. With the government committed to proceeding with this vital reform, the game’s future will be more sustainable, fairer, and inclusive.