Henry Winter reviews the Football Governance Bill which is to be introduced into Parliament today.
Huge moment for football: Football Governance Bill begins its passage through Parliament today. Will tackle selfish/rogue/profligate owners. DCMS says independent regulator will be “enshrined in law that will give fans a greater voice in the running of their clubs”. Regulator to “promote financial sustainability” and can fine clubs up to 10% of turnover for non-compliance. Competitions like European Super League blocked under new legislation.
Regulator will implement strengthened Owners’ and Directors’ Test to “stop clubs falling into the wrong hands”. Rogue owners can be removed and struck off from owning clubs “if they are found to be unsuitable”. Regulator has backstop powers to impose a ‘new deal’ on financial distributions, which should break premier league clubs’ impasse with the EFL.
Clubs to be licensed from National League to Premier League. “It follows a number of issues in recent years including financial mismanagement, breakaway plans for the European Super League, and changes to club names, badges and colours against the wishes of fans.” Regulator will have no input in on-field decisions.
"The regulator provides a means to intervene and stop clubs being run into the ground, protect the heritage of clubs, give supporters a much bigger voice in the running of the game, and prevent any chance of domestic clubs joining a breakaway European Super League,” says Kevin Miles of the FSA.
“The regulator must be given the power to impose a financial settlement in the interests of the sustainability of the game as a whole. It is far too important to be left to the squabbling between the vested interests of the richest club owners.”
PL says: “We agree it is vital that clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game. But PL warns: “Mindful that the future growth of the Premier League is not guaranteed, we remain concerned about any unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football.”