Government reintroduces football regulator bill

A bill to establish an independent football regulator has been reintroduced by the government.

The Football Governance Bill, initially introduced in March 2024, failed to pass through parliament before the general election was called in May.

The Labour government reintroduced the bill during Wednesday's King's Speech in which the party set out its legislative programme after winning office.

The legislation will grant powers to a body that is independent from government and football authorities to oversee clubs in England's top five tiers.

The government said it will "protect football clubs" by "ensuring their financial sustainability".

The bill will give a regulator "backstop powers" which could be used to intervene between the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) after their failure to agree a funding deal.

Talks over a so-called 'New Deal' collapsed in March, with the two organisations unable to agree a funding plan.

"It is brilliant news to hear the government is firmly committed to delivering a fairer financial distribution at all levels of the football pyramid," said Niall Couper, chief executive of campaigning group Fair Game, but he warned that "the devil is in the detail".

The Premier League said it "looked forward" to working with the new government and that it is "critical that the regulation was proportionate and effective".

EFL chairman Rick Parry said: "It is clear from the many conversations I have had since the general election result that the football pyramid matters to those inside and outside the game."

The Professional Footballers' Association said it was important to ensure the "rights and representation of players are built into football’s governance structures".