Season › 2022-23 › General Forum UK Government plans for regulating English football finally announced 23/02/2023 6 Comments [Jump to last] Share: In a detailed press release, the UK government has announced intentions to bring in a number of changes within the game, including the creation of an independent regulator despite opposition from the Premier League. Football fans and their clubs will be given greater protections under a radical transformation of the rules governing how football is run in England. The independent regulator will cover the top five tiers of men’s football. Other key points include: There will be new tests for potential club owners and directors Power to stop clubs joining breakaway competitions such as the European Super League Supporters given a greater say in protecting club identity from changes — for example, names, badges and home shirts Clubs will have to have the regulator’s approval for any sale or relocation of their stadium. Government also launching review of visa system for footballers coming to England The regulator will introduce a new licensing system for clubs down to the National League which will require them to demonstrate “sound financial business models and good corporate governance” before being allowed to compete. It will also bring in a new test for potential and current owners and directors, something that has been under the control of the Premier League, EFL and FA for their respective leagues. The promised white paper itself is yet to be released but is expected to be signed off by the Cabinet 'soon'. The Government will now begin the process of engagement and further consultation with selected stakeholders on the key reforms set out in the white paper. Plans to bring forward legislation will be announced as soon as parliamentary time allows. Reader Comments (6) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () John Raftery 1 Posted 23/02/2023 at 13:53:25 One man's independent regulator is another man's interfering unelected bureaucrat. Independent regulators do not have a great track record in this country. It will be interesting to see how this proposal plays out in the dying embers of this parliament. Obviously the only reason this government are affording it any priority is because they see it as a vote winner. Danny O’Neill 2 Posted 23/02/2023 at 14:12:29 Agree John, independent regulators will make recommendations but in my experience, never go against the flow as they want the gig next year.Interested to see how this pans out.Hopefully we've sorted our finances out to a state of compliance, although from what I've read, this is more of a moving forwards thing rather than investigating previous? And we seem to have been open as far as I understand and read; caveat that I'm no expert on those matters.It doesn't rule out a European Super League. It says that it has the power to stop clubs entering a competition that is a closed shop. The recent revised discussion has suggested the proposal will be open to teams being promoted and relegated. Watch that space.Happy with the proposal to spread the wealth, but it should also include investing in grass roots. I haven't seen kids' matches or training on the alleged pitches where I walk my dogs for weeks. Okay, you can claim health and safety for frost and hard ground we had, but recently it has resembled a mud ridden swamp. Even my dogs are reluctant. Apart from the boy sees a fox or a squirrel. Then I have the challenge of finding him.And why should kids play on fields where I walk my dogs in 2023? Not good enough. Eric Myles 3 Posted 25/02/2023 at 11:42:46 "will require them to demonstrate “sound financial business models and good corporate governance” before being allowed to compete."We won't be in it then. Eric Myles 4 Posted 25/02/2023 at 11:45:05 Doesn't this fall foul of the FIFA / UEFA dictate that governments should have no influence on their football leagues / clubs? Pete Neilson 5 Posted 25/02/2023 at 12:21:02 With the track record of the likes of OFGEM and OFWAT what are the chances of this being effective? It’s already been turned into a political football as to why the report has taken so long. If the UK political class getting involved in football doesn’t actually make the situation worse I’d be surprised. Eric Myles 6 Posted 26/02/2023 at 12:25:14 Re my post #4, the EPL also has requirements that no government should have influence on clubs.If this is only an advisory committee with no teeth then what's the point? Clubs will just say, 'can't take your advice as it's against EPL / UEFA/ FIFA regulations.Just a jobs for the boys committee that's ineffective? I bet Lee Mason will be one of the first names they trot out as an 'advisor'. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW Find out how to browse ad-free and support ToffeeWeb © ToffeeWeb