Premier league to become government-regulated as government releases white paper

The Premier League claims that England is on track to become the “first major country to make football a government-regulated industry” as soon as the government releases its white paper on Thursday calling for an independent regulator.

Outside of the elite competition, the response to the game and political circles was overwhelmingly positive.
MP Tracey Crouch, who was “delighted,” called it “a big day for football in this country.”

According to reports, the Premier League is concerned that regulations may scare off potential purchasers and investors.

The league promised to make efforts to prevent “any unintended consequences that could affect the Premier League’s position as the most-watched football league in the world”.

The white paper’s goal is to “help prevent repetition of financial failings observed at Derby County, Bury, and Macclesfield Town,” but it will also improve the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test.

A power to prevent English clubs from joining independent leagues like the European Super League is proposed in the white paper.

The research used to create the document was done for Crouch’s fan-led assessment, and Crouch was effusive in praise.

“This is a big day for football in this country and I am delighted the government has acted on the key strategic recommendations in my review,” she said.

“The Premier League was more qualified in its assessment. “We appreciate the Government’s commitment to protect the Premier League’s continued success.”

“It is vital that regulation does not damage the game fans love to watch in the deepest professional pyramid in the world, or its ability to attract investment and grow interest in our game.”

“We will now work constructively with stakeholders to ensure that the proposed Government regulator does not lead to any unintended consequences that could affect the Premier League’s position as the most-watched football league in the world, reduce its competitiveness or put the unrivalled levels of funding we provide at risk. “

The EFL spoke of how it “has been clear that the English game needs a fundamental financial reset in order make the game sustainable so that all Clubs can continue to serve their supporters and communities long into the future”.

“After an extensive period of consultation, the EFL is therefore pleased to note that the Government’s announcement regarding an Independent Regulator proposes to ‘oversee the financial sustainability of the game’ and we welcome that a Regulator will have ‘targeted powers of last resort to intervene and facilitate an agreement as and when necessary’, should football be unable to find a funding agreement that safeguards the future of our pyramid for the long term.

“Going hand-in-hand with financial reform, the League is supportive of proposals relating to enhanced regulation and looks forward to consulting with Government on matters including Club Licensing, the Owners and Directors Test and heritage protection in the period ahead.”

Prime Minister RIshi Sunak 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.”

The chief executive of Football Supporters’ Association, Kevin Miles, said: “The Football Supporters Association engaged in the fan-led review from day one and we warmly welcome the historic commitment from the Government to introduce an independent regulator of English football.”

He added: “The football governance white paper clearly addresses our key concerns around ownership, rogue competitions and sustainability and of course we support any proposals that offer fans a greater voice in the running of their clubs.”

“We look forward to engaging with the Government on the next steps.”

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