Tracey Crouch has said the “indications are positive” that the government will introduce a properly independent regulator for English football, after an apparent leak of key aspects of the legislation.
Sources inside Westminster say final details of the white paper, promised by the government last summer, are still being agreed. But leaks to the Sun suggest a regulator will have the right to grant an operating licence to clubs, prevent teams from joining breakaway leagues and have control over an owners and directors test that will establish where prospective owners have sourced their money.
Crouch, the MP for Chatham and Aylesford, was the author of 2021’s Fan-Led Review of Football Governance, which laid out a blueprint for introducing independent governance, with the hope of making football more sustainable.
The former sports minister said she was encouraged by reports suggesting the main recommendations of her report would become law for the 2024-25 season. “I haven’t seen the details yet of the white paper, but the indications are positive that the government will introduce an independent regulator via legislation with backstop powers on financial redistribution.
“While it may be the case that some recommendations from the fan-led review are not going to be implemented, arguably, the most important ones are. From what I’ve read, it looks like the government has accepted and will act on the fundamental recommendation of introducing an independent regulator underpinned by legislation.”
The Football Supporters’ Association gave a cautious welcome, awaiting more details of the legislation. “Today’s reports indicate that many of our ideas are included in the white paper: stronger tests on potential club owners, more supporter engagement, blocks on breakaway competitions like the European Super League and the establishment of an independent regulator,” said the FSA’s chief executive, Kevin Miles.
“We look forward to seeing the full white paper upon its release and, once again, we will enthusiastically and constructively engage with the consultation process to ensure that the regulator becomes as effective as possible.”
The Sun claimed the regulator would be able to redistribute funds from the top flight to clubs lower down the pyramid if the Premier League and EFL were unable to agree a deal. Talks between the organisations remain inconclusive, with the EFL saying last week it wants to halve the financial gap between the bottom of the Premier League and the top of the Championship.
In addition to these backstop powers, the Sun said a regulator will operate a licensing system designed to ensure clubs are being run sustainably and for the benefit of their supporters and the communities they serve. It will also require teams to enter competitions only approved by the regulator.
Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said he could not comment on “speculation” about the details of the proposals, but said the plan would emerge soon. Officials say this is unlikely to be next week, but soon after.
The spokesman said: “Our ambition remains to drive forward the radical reform needed to ensure football sustainability in the long term. The exact detail of the plan is being finalised and will be published shortly. What we are doing with this white paper, it’s seeking to strike the right balance across the board to ensure that this country continues to have and play host to the best football teams in the world, and also respect the rights of fans and ensure they are at the heart of these plans to tackle the big issues that face the game.”
