English Football: UEFA and the Football Regulator
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
A potential conflict is brewing between UEFA, the Governing Body of European Football, and the UK Government over plans to pass legislation for the appointment of an independent Football Regulator to oversee the top five tiers of the men’s game in English football.
UEFA has warned that England could be banned from its competitions in case the powers of the Regulator lead to government interference in the running of football, which is prohibited under the UEFA Statutes. Also, it may be added, under the FIFA Statutes.
England is due to co-host with the European Championship in 2028.
The UEFA General Secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, has expressed these concerns in a letter to Lisa Nandy, the UK Culture Secretary, who is responsible for sport. In the letter, Theodoridis, stated that “normally football regulation should be managed by the national federation.” That is, the FA, the English Football Association.
Theodoridis has added that it was “imperative to protect and preserve the independence of the FA.”
He has also expressed concerns about provisions in the proposed legislation that require the Regulator to take into account the UK Government’s foreign and trade policy when deciding on the suitability of future owners of English football clubs.
As they say, ‘the devil will be in the detail’ of the powers given to the Regulator in the new legislation.
Commentators do not think that it will actually come to banning England from participation in UEFA competitions, but you never know, given the considerable power wielded by the ‘beautiful game’!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
