The decision has been heavily backed
The government have confirmed that they will form an independent football regulator in England after receiving the approval of a fan-led review into the men’s game.
The regulator will be given the power to sanction clubs in the English footballing pyramid for breaking any form of rule, including financial.
A new owners’ fit and proper test will come into action as part of the plans and fans will be allowed a bigger platform to have their say on the state of the game.
It follows a recent review chaired by former sports minister Tracey Crouch which made 10 recommendations to the government on how to improve football.
The review was launched after a series of high-profile crises in the sport, including the failed European Super League project and the collapse of former Football League clubs, Bury FC and Macclesfield Town.
There is still no official timeframe on when this will come into action
At the time Crouch called the government’s endorsement of the regulator an “enormous step forward” but also admitted that the uncertainty around when the changes would be implemented was “worrying.”
In a statement via PA News Agency, Crouch revealed her relief at the confirmation. She said: “I am exceptionally pleased [the government] has accepted or supported all the strategic recommendations of the review, including committing to legislation for a statutory independent regulator which will regulate financial resilience as well as ownership of clubs,” Crouch said in a statement to PA news agency.
“This is an enormous step forward in providing much-needed reform for football.”
As per the BBC, the new changes have no set timeframe on when they will come into action, however the new regulator will be backed by laws which enable it to punish clubs and oversee the financial state of sides, including investigations and gather information.
They will also apply the new “enhanced” owners’ and directors’ test which will replace the current format. This comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding Newcastle United’s Saudi-backed takeover as well as Roman Abramovich’s ongoing sale of Chelsea in the wake of his government-imposed sanctions.
Related links:
- English football to have independent regulator by next election
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- Oldham fans force game with Salford to be abandoned as relegation is confirmed
