By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The proposal for an Independent Regulator for English football, which was made last year by a fan-led review of the English game, following a number of crises and chaired by the former Sports Minister, Tracy Crouch, has now been accepted by the UK Government in a ‘White Paper’ on football governance published on 23 February 2023.
The main tasks of the new Regulator will be as follows:
- To stop English clubs from joining closed-shop competitions, such as the proposed breakaway European Super League, which are judged to harm the domestic game.
- To prevent a repeat of financial failings seen at numerous clubs, notably the collapses of Bury and Macclesfield.
- To introduce a more stringent owners' and directors' test to protect clubs and fans.
- To give fans power to stop owners changing a club's name, badge and traditional kit colours.
- To ensure a fair distribution of the money that filters down the English football pyramid from the Premier League.
The UK Government has stated that:
"The English game remains one of the UK's greatest cultural exports, with clubs and leagues around the world modelling themselves on its success."
And added:
"That is why the government is today taking the necessary and targeted steps to ensure that continues for generations."
A bold plan, indeed, for the future of the ‘beautiful game’ in England!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘