Government proposes regulator to oversee English football

LONDON (AP) — A government plan would allow English soccer to be placed under the oversight of an independent regulator that would ensure the financial viability of clubs in different leagues and prevent teams from joining separatist competitions like the European Super League.

In what is described as a ‘radical transformation of the rules that govern the way football works in England’, the UK government has decided to respond to a fan-led review, following the collapse of two Bury youth clubs and Macclesfield, for financial reasons. mismanagement.

The decision also follows failed attempts by 12 elite European clubs, including six from the English Premier League, to seek to establish a Super League in 2021. English clubs quickly abandoned the idea after protests and threats from reprisals from supporters and the government.

The government will release its ‘technical document on football control’ on Thursday, which proposes the creation of a men’s football regulator to implement a new licensing system, from the Premier League to the Fifth Division. The regulator would verify that clubs “demonstrate sound financial models and good corporate governance through an application process before they are allowed to compete”.

Fans would have more of a say in decision-making for clubs, such as name changes or kit colors. Clubs must seek regulator approval for any sale or relocation of a stadium.

The regulator would have the power to prevent English clubs from joining new competitions that do not meet pre-determined criteria, after consultation with the Football Association and supporters.

“These criteria could include measures to prevent teams from participating in closed competitions that harm national sport,” the government warned.

The regulator would also conduct owner and director testing, focusing on the viability of new owners and rigorous procedures before a purchase is approved.

It was unclear whether there would be a new human rights standard in these tests. Amnesty International has urged the Premier League to adopt such considerations after Saudi Arabia led the purchase of Newcastle shares and in the face of a Qatari bid for Manchester United.

The government is confident that the regulator’s powers will be balanced in a way that does not harm the competitiveness and strength of the Premier League, which is financially superior to any other European league.

According to the government, the regulator would have “selective powers of last resort” to intervene “in the manner and when necessary”.