Independent Football Regulator explained: What it means for prospective owners, Premier League, EFL clubs and fans
The government have announced their intention to introduce an Independent Football Regulator, which could change the English game for good.
The powers that be at Westminster, in consultation with fans, believe that football in this country needs to be more controlled.
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It's a move that's going to annoy Premier League clubs because they will lose power, but lower league teams should benefit.
Here is all you need to know about the impending change.
What will an Independent Regulator change?
The main aim of an Independent Regulator is to ensure that clubs in all divisions are protected and are financially viable.
We have seen too many instances of bad owners running clubs into the ground, with the leagues unable to do anything about it once they own the club.
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Bury and Reading are two examples of teams that could have benefitted from an Independent Regulator.
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Prospective owners currently only have to pass one test either in the Premier League, EFL 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 who fail can be blocked from future attempts.
All clubs must also attain a licence to participate in their current league.
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This sounds like it doesn't mean much, but it's actually very important because it would prevent teams from attempting to break off like with the European Super League.
This is because each club would have a legally binding licence to their respective league.
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The Independent Regulator will also ensure that the Premier League agree a new payment deal with the EFL.
The top-flight teams have been given plenty of chances to come to a compromise that would save the English football pyramid, but certain clubs are voting against the deal.
However, an Independent Regulator would have the power to force a deal through.
This would annoy Premier League clubs but would massively benefit EFL teams.
But although certain clubs might not like it, fans are set to have more of a say in what happens to their team.
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As part of the licence, there will be a requirement to consult fans over key off-field decisions.
This includes stadium expansions, badge changes, colour changes and name adjustments.
These things have happened in the past and fans haven't been able to do anything about them.
For example, when Cardiff changed their kit from blue to red, the supporters just had to put up with it.
The Independent Regulator is also set to conduct a survey on the financial state of football in England.
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Independent Regulator: Key points
- Stricter tests for prospective owners across all divisions
- Power to force through a new payment deal between the Premier League and EFL
- All clubs must sign a licence to their respective league to prevent breakaway competitions
- Fans must be consulted regarding key off-field decisions
- Survey looking into the financial state 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. 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."
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However, others aren't so happy.
West Ham owner David Sullivan is very much against the idea.
Speaking to , he said: "The government has shown an inability to run 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!
"We are now going to 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 don’t wreck something that works.
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"This means we will be competing with teams from leagues in Europe who give a fraction of the money Premier League clubs give to both the EFL and grassroots football.
"If over the coming seasons the Premier League ceases to be the best league in the world, it will be down to an interfering government."
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