For the very first time there will be an independent regulator for men’s elite football games. They will be in charge of overseeing the financial viability of the games.  It will also be their job to ensure that the focal point of the game is its fans.  And the fans are what’s really important – so when your favorite team is not playing, check out the Fairgo casino login for more online fun!

The job of the new regulator will involve the following:

• To prevent financial problems or failures from occurring.
• Stricter testing of potential owners and directors of clubs in order to protect fans from corrupt or dishonest owners.
• Fans to be given more power in terms of how their clubs are run.
• New regulations that will prevent English clubs from joining less popular and non-aligned leagues.
• Plans will follow the recommendations from the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance put out by Tracey Crouch CBE MP

There will be a new application process to complete before any club is able to compete, that is from the top down to the National League, and will require the clubs to show their financial business model as being sound and to be in good order.

Fans will have more say in how their clubs are run on a strategic level.  This will mean that they will have more power and will be able to prevent club owners from destroying the club’s heritage, changing the club’s name, badges and even shirt colors.  Fans will need to be consulted if and when changes are planned.

Owners and directors of clubs will be questioned and tested to make sure they are ‘good custodians of these clubs’, requiring them to show where the money is coming from and to set out their plans for financial stability and growth.

It will also be the function of the regulator to ensure that clubs only join competitions that meet specific fixed criteria, and in line with the needs of fans and the FA.    This may include preventing clubs joining “closed-shop breakaway competitions” like the European Super League as an example.

Clubs around the world model themselves on the success of the English game.  For this reason, the government is making sure that there are regulations in place to ensure that this continues into the future.

In 2019 the government first pledged to “deliver a fad-led review of football governance”.  This was following the problems and mismanagement that took place at a number of clubs which resulted in them going out of business. Since the Premier League was launched in 1992, 64 clubs have gone into liquidation.

Notwithstanding the international success of English football, there is still a high level of financial risk in the leagues.  The total net debt of all the clubs in the Premier League and Championships at the end of the 2020-21 season was in the region of £5.9 billion.

During the same season, many clubs were failing to meet their payrolls and outstretching themselves.  For example, Derby County FC almost went into liquidation last year. With the launching of the Fan-Led Review of Football in 2021 it is hoped that things will improve.

Rishi Sunak, the present Prime Minister said:

“Since its inception over 165 years ago, English football has been bringing people together, providing a source of pride for communities and inspiration to millions of fans across the country.  Yet despite the success of the sport both at home and abroad, we know that there are real challenges which threaten the stability of clubs both big and small.  These bold new plans will put fans back at the heart of football, protect the rich heritage and traditions of our much-loved clubs and safeguard the beautiful game for future generations.”

Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary said:

“I know how much football means to this country, and I ant to see the domestic league continue its incredible success at home and abroad.  So today we are stepping in to secure the long- term future of the national game and put fans right back at the heart of how football is run.  Our plans will ensure that clubs manage their finances in a responsible way, and prevent unscrupulous owners from treating clubs as expendable commodities rather than the beloved community assets that they are.

“This is about protecting the beautiful game, making sure we remain home to the strongest league in the world, and safeguarding clubs big and small across the country.”

Stuart Andrew, Sports Minister said:

“…. Without fans, football clubs are nothing. That is why today we are putting fans back at the center of football governance, and creating a stronger foundation for the continued growth and success of English football…”

According to Tracey Crouch CBE MP and Chair of the Fan Led Review of Football Governance this is “a big day for football in this country.”  She goes on to say, “The introduction of a new independent regulator of football will strengthen our incredible pyramid, giving investors, fans and communities confidence in the governance of our clubs, enabling them to thrive in the best leagues in the world.”

Kevin Miles, the Chief Executive of the Football Supporters Association also welcomed this “historic commitment from the Government to introduce an independent regular of English football”.   He goes on to say “…we support any proposals that offer fans a greater voice in the running of their clubs.”

The Premier League has been hugely successful and is the envy of all club competitions around the globe.   Everyone, including the government, wants this to continue.  It is important that solutions be found to ensure the financial sustainability of the clubs, primarily by those in charge of the leagues and clubs themselves.   If this does not happen, at least the regulator will be in a position to intervene and do what is necessary.

Things will progress slowly and further consultations with key investors and others may be needed in order to bring about the needed legislation.