Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has welcomed the news that a law to bring in a football regulator has been introduced, after the MP, along with fans, clubs and several other MPs, had been lobbying the Government to bring in protections to stop clubs falling into financial ruin.
The Football Governance Bill, which will create an Independent Football Regulator, follows a number of threats to the game that have arisen without fan consultation; these have included club relocations, the creation of the European Super League and drastic alterations to the identity of clubs which have threatened their heritage.
From break away leagues to breaches in financial fair play (FFP), poor directors to threats the existence of local clubs like Derby and Coventry over the years, Dr Luke has been campaign to secure further safe guards to the most popular sport in the world.
The Government is addressing the concerns of fans by creating an Independent Football Regulator which will be given comprehensive powers to work with clubs to improve their finances, create stronger tests for proposed club owners and safeguard clubs’ heritage by delivering greater fan representation in club decisions.
The Independent Football Regulator will oversee a new licensing regime for clubs in the top five tiers of English football. The regulator will follow an advocacy first approach but will have the power to revoke licences and impose fines where serious breaches occur.
The regulator will also be responsible for overseeing requests by club owners to sell the club or relocate the stadium and introduce baseline standards for fan involvement in key off field decisions such as club heritage.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “Over the past couple of years I’ve been raising concerns about the state of football with everyone from the Sports Minister to the Premier League, EFL, UEFA, FA, FIFA and even A22 (the orchestrators of the European Super League) so I'm really pleased to see plans for an Independent Football Regulator and greater fan involvement on matters will which affect their clubs.
“I have been working with fans, local clubs and the leagues themselves to get better protections in place, and the introduction of this Bill brings us that one step closer.
“Having seen the history troubles of Derby County, the current issues at Reading, the deductions for Everton and Nottingham Forest, and the over 100 pending charges against Manchester City, it is clear there are significant shortfalls in the regulation. I believe a regulator will help to provide that stability, while continue to allow England to have the best football pyramid in the world.
“Whether you’re watching a game at home, down the pub with friends or taking your place in the stands each week, it’s important that fans are involved in and consulted on big decisions which can affect their club. The Government’s plans will ensure the heritage of our clubs are protected so that future generations can enjoy them just as we have.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added “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.”
