PARRY BACKS REFORM PLAN

EFL chairman Rick Parry is optimistic that the introduction of the Football Governance Bill in Parliament can be an 'important milestone' in shaping the game's future in this country.

- John Lyons

The bill was launched on Tuesday and must go through parliamentary process before it is made law.

The government announced plans to appoint a regulator in February last year, following a fan-led review in 2021.

Legislation would grant powers to a body, independent of government and football authorities, to oversee clubs in England's top five men's tiers.

The regulator would have powers revolving around three core objectives: improving financial sustainability of clubs, ensuring financial resilience across the leagues and safeguarding English football's heritage.

The bill includes backstop powers around financial distribution between the Premier League and the EFL, so that if the parties continue to fail to agree on a 'new deal', the regulator can ensure a settlement is reached.

The Premier League had been expected to come up with proposals to put to the EFL almost two weeks ago-anticipated to be around £900m over six years-but nothing was forthcoming, adding to EFL frustration.