The Independent Football Regulator explained: What it means for potential owners, Premier League clubs, the EFL and fans
The government has announced its intention to introduce an Independent Football Regulator, which could change English football forever.
The powers that be at Westminster, in consultation with fans, believe that football in this country needs to be more controlled.
It is a movement that is going to bother first division clubs because they will lose power, but lower league teams should benefit.
Here's everything you need to know about the impending change.
What will an Independent Regulator change?
The main objective of an Independent Regulator is to ensure that clubs in all divisions are protected and financially viable.
We've seen too many cases of bad owners ruining clubs, and the leagues can't do anything about it once they own the club.
bury and Reading are two examples of teams that could have benefited from an Independent Regulator.
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Currently, potential owners only have to pass one test, whether in the Premier League, English as a foreign language or National League.
However, an independent regulator plans to set up stricter tests that will be designed to ensure only the right people get their hands on football clubs. Those that fail may be blocked from future attempts.
All clubs must also obtain a license to participate in their current league.
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It seems like this doesn't mean much, but it is actually very important because it would prevent teams from trying to separate like in the European Super League.
This is because each club would have a legally binding license for their respective league.
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The Independent Regulator will also ensure that the Premier League reaches a new payment agreement with the EFL.
The top-flight teams have had many opportunities to reach a compromise that would save the English football pyramid, but certain clubs They vote against the agreement.
However, an independent regulator would have the power to force a deal.
This would upset Premier League clubs but greatly benefit EFL teams.
But even if some clubs don't like it, fans will have more of a say in what happens to their team.
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As part of the licence, fans will need to be consulted on key off-field decisions.
This includes stadium expansions, badge changes, color changes and name adjustments.
These things have happened in the past and fans haven't been able to do anything about it.
For example, when Cardiff changed their kit from blue to red, fans had to put up with it.
The Independent Regulator will also carry out a survey into the financial situation of football in England.
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Independent regulator: key points
- Stricter testing for prospective owners in all divisions
- Power to force new payment deal between Premier League and EFL
- All clubs must sign a license for their respective league to avoid separatist competitions.
- Fans should be consulted on key off-field decisions.
- Survey on the financial situation of football
Independent Regulator: What has been said?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak believes an independent regulator will help save English football.
He said: “Football has long been one of our greatest sources of national pride. Across the country, it unites people in celebration or commiseration.
“But for too long some clubs have suffered abuse from unscrupulous owners who get away with poor financial management which, at worst, can lead to total collapse, as we saw in the disturbing cases of Bury and Macclesfield Town.
“This bill is a historic moment for football fans: it will ensure their voices are front and centre, prevent a breakaway league, protect the financial sustainability of clubs and protect the assets of our clubs, big and small. “.
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However, others are not so happy.
West Ham owner David Sullivan He is very against the idea.
speaking to sky sportsHe said: “The government has shown an inability to manage anything. You would think they have more important things to worry about at the moment.
“We already have a regulator for energy, water, trains, etc. and we have the worst and most expensive services in the world!
“Now we will be forced to pay for something we don't want. I wonder how many overpaid employees this new football quango will employ.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, so why change a winning formula?
“I hope the government doesn't ruin something that works.
“This means we will compete with teams from European leagues who give a fraction of the money that Premier League clubs give to both the EFL and grassroots football.
“If in the coming seasons the Premier League stops being the best league in the world, it will be the fault of an interfering government.”
