Football enthusiasts across the United Kingdom are urging political leaders to include the reinstatement of a Football Governance Bill in their election manifestos. A coalition of over 170 fan groups, in addition to the Football Supporters Association and former sports minister Tracey Crouch, have united in signing an open letter imploring party leaders to endorse a new bill aimed at regulating the football industry.
The urgency behind this call to action arises from the imminent adjournment of MPs prior to the forthcoming general election on 4 July, which presents no opportunity for discussions or the passage of the Football Governance Bill into law. The open letter underscores the bill’s fundamental principles designed to prevent future breakaway leagues, fortify financial stability, safeguard club heritage, and empower fans to play a greater role in influencing the management of the sport they cherish.
The government had initially outlined intentions to appoint a regulator by February 2023, following a fan-led review in 2022 that underscored the imperative need for an independent regulatory body to ensure the long-term financial health of men’s professional football. Citing issues such as financial mismanagement and the proposed breakaway European Super League, the review underscored the necessity of an independent regulator.
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch voiced her dismay at the stalling of the Football Governance Bill, expressing regret that she will not witness its passage into law as she steps down as a Conservative MP following the general election. Crouch lauded the dedication and efforts of numerous stakeholders, including officials, politicians, clubs, and most importantly, the fans, for their collective contributions to the bill.
In response to inquiries about the Labour Party’s perspective on the Football Governance Bill, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed their commitment to reforms but refrained from specifying a timetable for such changes in their manifesto.
Earlier in the year, Premier League clubs failed to reach an agreement on a ‘New Deal’ for English Football League (EFL) funding, despite warnings from Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer that the absence of an agreement would result in the imposition of a deal by the new football regulator.
EFL chairman Rick Parry expressed disappointment at the potential stalling of the Football Governance Bill in the current Parliament but assured that the league is committed to collaborating with the new government to prevent any further delays in progress after the general election.
As the fate of football governance legislation hangs in the balance, fans retain hope that their calls for political backing will not go unheeded. The future of the game and the welfare of clubs and fans alike heavily rely on the establishment of an independent regulator and the implementation of essential reforms.