In accordance with a government plan, England football might be governed by an impartial regulator to guarantee the long-term financial viability of clubs across all leagues and deter teams from competing in splinter leagues like the European Super League.
The British government is implementing what is being referred to as a “fundamental reform of the laws controlling how football is administered in England” based on a review that was conducted by fans after two lower-league clubs, Macclesfield and Bury, folded due to financial mismanagement.
It also follows the 12 premier teams in Europe, including six from the Premier League of England, failing to establish a European Super League in 2021. After criticism from fans and the government, the English clubs immediately abandoned the concept.
The “white paper on football governance” that the government will release on Thursday will suggest the establishment of a regulator for the men’s elite game in order to put in place a new licensing system from the Premier League down to the fifth division. Before being permitted to compete, teams would have to “show sound financial business models and excellent corporate governance as part of an application procedure.”
Fans would have more control over how clubs are governed, including the ability to change team names and uniform colors. Clubs would also be required to obtain regulator clearance before selling or moving a stadium.
In conjunction with the Football Association and supporters, it would have the authority to forbid English clubs from participating in new competitions that do not adhere to predetermined standards.
The government stated that the criteria “may include actions to prevent clubs from taking part in closed-shop breakaway competitions which undermine the domestic game.”
Also, the regulator would conduct a test of owners and directors with an emphasis on the morality and fitness of new owners as well as increased due diligence. The presence of a human rights component in the exam, which Amnesty International has urged the Premier League to implement in the wake of the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle and reiterated amid a Qatari offer for Manchester United, was not immediately evident.
The Premier League, which has more money than any other league in Europe, is more competitive and strong than ever. The government is sure that the regulator’s powers will be balanced in a way that prevents this.
The regulator would have “targeted powers of last resort” to take action “as and when necessary,” according to the administration.
Premier League teams “will now carefully assess the government’s ambition for England to become the first major nation to make football a government-regulated industry,” according to the league.
According to the Premier League, it is “critical that regulation does not harm the game fans love to watch in the deepest professional pyramid in the world, or its potential to attract investment and expand interest in our game.”
Unintended repercussions “may harm the Premier League’s status as the most watched football league in the world, weaken its competitiveness or put the unmatched levels of money we give in jeopardy,” the statement said.
The administration announced that it will immediately begin additional consultations with the important stakeholders.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that “these daring new ideas will put fans back at the center of football, conserve the rich heritage and traditions of our much-loved teams, and safeguard the great game for future generations.”
