A new Independent Football Regulator is being created following the introduction of the Football Governance Bill.
Hailed as a breakthrough for football fans everywhere, the new legislation has the support of local MP Antony Higginbotham as it creates a new Independent Football Regulator following a number of threats to the game that have arisen without fan consultation. These have included club relocations, the creation of the European Super League and drastic alterations to the identity of clubs which have threatened their heritage.
That is why the Government has moved to address the concerns of fans by creating an Independent Football Regulator which will be given comprehensive powers to work with clubs to improve their finances, create stronger tests for proposed club owners and safeguard clubs’ heritage by delivering greater fan representation in club decisions.
Commenting, local MP Antony Higginbotham said:
Football is about the fans. And why it’s been so important to put these changes in to make sure that fans everywhere have a proper say in what happens to their local club.That’s what this Independent Football Regulator will do and is why I’ve always supported its creation.
Regardless of how we’re playing at the minute we’re so lucky to have Burnley Football Club in our area, backed by thousands of residents from across Burnley, Padiham and all our surrounding villages.
And it’s that support which matters for any club. The new regulator will introduce baseline standards for fan involvement, on everything from stadia to kit, giving fans a greater a voice. It also means we won’t see a repeat of the failed bid for a European Super League like we did back in 2021.
The Independent Football Regulator will oversee a new licensing regime for clubs in the top five tiers of English football. The regulator will follow an advocacy first approach but will have the power to revoke licences and impose fines where serious breaches occur.
The regulator will also be responsible for overseeing requests by club owners to sell the club or relocate the stadium and introduce baseline standards for fan involvement in key off field decisions such as club heritage.
Commenting, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
Football has long been one of our greatest sources of national pride. Up and down the country, it brings people together in celebration or commiseration.
But 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 – as we saw in the upsetting cases of Bury and Macclesfield Town.
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.
