PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs fear “unprecedented and untested powers” given to the new independent regulator could wreck English football.
The government’s Football Governance Bill will be introduced in the House of Lords today.
A clause requiring the regulator to consider government “foreign and trade policy” when approving club takeovers — which threatened to see Uefa boot England out of the Euros over political interference — has been withdrawn.
Prem bigwigs still fear “rigid, banking-style regulation could have a negative impact on the league’s competitiveness and the aspiration that drives our global appeal and growth.”
But the regulator has been backed by EFL chief Rick Parry.
He said: “The bill has been framed in a way that will enable the new regulator to protect and achieve the sustainability of clubs across the entire football pyramid.”
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New regulator powers in the bill include parachute payments for relegated clubs, consulting fans on ticket pricing and home stadium relocations, plus supporter representation at clubs.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy declared: “English football is one of our greatest exports and a source of national pride.
“But for too long financial instability meant loyal fans risked losing their cherished clubs as a result of mismanagement and reckless spending.
“This bill seeks to redress the balance, putting fans back at the heart of the game, taking on rogue owners and crucially helping put clubs up and down the country on a sound financial footing.”
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Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock added: “This strengthened bill puts fans firmly back at the centre of the game.”
More than 200 fan groups signed an open letter from the Football Supporters’ Association earlier this year, calling on all parties to back the new bill.
Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis had said the “foreign policy” clause would amount to government interference — risking the “ultimate sanction” of excluding teams from their competitions.
England are due to co-host the Euro 2028 with the other home nations and Ireland.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
