Government confirms independent football regulator to be introduced

The news was confirmed via the King's Speech on Wednesday

Confirmation was made during the King's Speech on Wednesday which will "ensure greater sustainability in the game and strengthen protections for fans" as part of the football governance bill.

Labour have introduced the bill just weeks after the previous government were forced to ditch the policy days before Parliament was due to shut down ahead of the general election.

What will the independent football regulator be able to do?

One of the big motivations behind introducing an independent regulator was the failed attempt from six Premier League sides to join a breakaway European Super League.

Additionally, the collapse of Bury also strengthened calls for a review of the governance of the game.

Now, an independent regulator will have the power to sanction clubs who are in breach of financial rules.

Several clubs could be at risk

Financial problems have dominated the top flight in recent years.

Everton and Nottingham Forest both received points deductions for breaking financial fair play rules while Leicester City are are awaiting to hear if they will face one this season.

Chelsea are another side who are at risk of breaking profit and sustainability rules while everyone is awaiting to hear the verdict on Manchester City's 115 alleged breaches.

As well as an independent regulator Labour will introduce the Hillsborough Law, which families affiliated to the 1989 disaster have hailed as "life changing".

Public authorities will be required  tell the truth and proactively cooperate with official investigations and inquiries. Failure to do so would then become a criminal offence.

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