adminBlocking clubs from joining a breakaway European Super League will be among the powers held by English football’s new independent regulator.
The plan for a regulator, recommended by a fan-led review last year, has been confirmed by the UK government.
Preventing historic clubs going out of business is one of the aims, as well as giving fans greater input and a new owners’ and directors’ test.
The significant move aims to protect English football’s cultural heritage.
The main purposes of the proposed new regulator will be:
Stopping English clubs from joining closed-shop competitions, which are judged to harm the domestic game
Preventing a repeat of financial failings seen at numerous clubs, notably the collapses of Bury and Macclesfield
Introducing a more stringent owners’ and directors’ test to protect clubs and fans
Giving fans power to stop owners changing a club’s name, badge and traditional kit colours
Ensuring a fair distribution of money filters down the English football pyramid from the Premier League
“The English game remains one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports, with clubs and leagues around the world modelling themselves on its success,” the government said before its white paper on football governance — a policy document which outlines the proposed legislation — is released on Thursday.
“That is why the government is today taking the necessary and targeted steps to ensure that continues for generations.” The Premier League was understood to be wary of a regulatory body when the proposals were announced in April last year. The league says it is “vital” a regulator does not lead to any “unintended consequences” that could affect its global appeal and success.
What will the regulator cover?
European breakaway leagues
Six English clubs — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham — were among a dozen from across the continent that announced plans to form a European Super League in a shock move in April 2021.
It sparked a tumultuous few days in English and European football.
Fans quickly demonstrated their anger at the plan outside English clubs’ stadiums — with similarly vitriolic protests taking place across Europe — forcing the Premier League clubs to back down and apologise.
Despite the U-turn, the debate over the future of top-level European football has continued. “The regulator will have the power to prevent English clubs from joining new competitions that do not meet a predetermined criteria, in consultation with the FA and fans,” said the government.
Financial stability and fans’ input
A new licensing system will require every club — from the Premier League to the National League — to prove it has a sustainable business model implemented by responsible custodians as part of an application process. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter