King's Speech outlines independent football regulator

Football fans protested outside stadiums following the announcement of the European Super League in April 2021

The plan for a new independent regulator in English football has been outlined in the King's Speech.

King Charles said the Football Governance Bill, which will introduce a regulator, will "safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans".

A strengthened owners' and directors' test is part of the plan.

The regulator also aims to prevent historic clubs going out of business, and give fans greater input.

The planned legislation follows last year's fan-led review, chaired by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, which said a regulator was necessary for the long-term financial stability of the men's professional game.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Crouch said she was "delighted" it was mentioned in the speech and "an important step" for English football.

Niall Couper, chief executive of football governance campaign group Fair Game, added: "Today's announcement is a historic moment for football and represents a real chance to end the cycle of overspending and mismanagement that has plagued our National Game and threatened the very existence of our clubs.

"We believe the regulator has a huge responsibility and must have the powers to impose the new rules, create a fairer financial flow, and, crucially, help clubs introduce the changes required."

The King's Speech was Rishi Sunak's first as prime minister - and could be his last before the next general election, which is expected next year and must happen before January 2025.

Timeline

August 2019: Bury were expelled from League One following the collapse of a takeover bid.

December 2019: Conservatives promise a fan-led review in its 2019 general election manifesto in response to Bury's demise.

2020-21 season: Covid-19 pandemic causes matches to be held behind closed doors, affecting revenue.

April 2021: A proposed European Super League, involving six Premier League clubs, collapses within days amid widespread condemnation from other clubs and players as well as governing bodies, politicians and fans.

October 2021: Amnesty International urges changes to the Premier League owners' and directors' test "to address human rights issues" following the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of Newcastle United.

November 2021: An independent regulator is among 10 recommendations made by a fan-led review, chaired by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, on how to improve football governance.

March 2022: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Abramovich selling the club to American businessman Todd Boehly in May.

November 2022: Representatives of 29 clubs write to the government urging it to press on with plans for an independent football regulator.

February 2023: The publication of the UK government's white paper proposing reforms in football was delayed to later in the month.

February 2023: The plan for a new independent regulator in English football was confirmed by the government.

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