A historic moment... but introduction of new regulator doesn't go far enough

THE Government has promised the introduction of a new football regulator will lead to “a radical transformation” of the game, but one of the many questions about today’s White Paper is: do the measures go far enough?

- Dan Kilpatrick

Football bodies, including the Premier League and English Football League, have repeatedly failed to get their house in order, proving beyond doubt that they cannot be trusted to fix the game’s many problems without intervention.

Chronic financial mismanagement at clubs (highlighted by the pandemic), the aborted Super League proposal and the loss of treasured institutions such as Bury have moved the government to act, and football can have few complaints about increased state regulation.

An increased say for supporters, stricter owners’ and directors’ tests and powers to prevent clubs from joining breakaway Super Leagues should all be particularly welcomed.

The Premier League fear the measures will have the “unintended consequences” by limiting investment in the top flight and decreasing their popularity and competitiveness, warning today that the new regulation could ultimately “damage the game”.

It is telling, though, that Paul Barber, chief executive of perhaps the League’s best-run club, Brighton, has said there is “nothing to fear” from the plans, while West Ham chairman David Sullivan led the public backlash.

The Premier League, though, should really be relieved at having escaped even harsher regulation.