Slightly under the radar Football is in future going to have a Regulator. Time will tell if it turns out to be another waste of space or whether the Regulator will have actual powers and actually use them. Some of the objections going through Parliament were comical and hypocritical at the same time with a sprinkling of self interest thrown in. West Ham United vice chair Karren Brady told the House of Lords there were "dangers lurking" in the bill, arguing it would affect competition. The Premier League was also critical of the need for a regulator. It repeatedly argued that English football is capable of governing itself, stating a regulator, external will have "unprecedented and untested powers to intervene in the distribution of [its] revenues". It also said a regulator could have "a negative impact on competitiveness, clubs' investment in world-class talent and the aspiration that drives our global appeal and growth". What powers will the independent football regulator have? Tough new financial regulation to make sure clubs have a long-term sustainable future Stronger tests to stop rogue owners New standards for fan engagement in club decision-making Ban on clubs joining closed-shop competitions and breakaway leagues 'Backstop powers' to ensure a fair financial distribution between leagues Protections for key club heritage aspects like home shirt colours and club badges and stadium moves Doesn’t directly refer to psr but would hopefully fall within the first power mentioned above. Does specifically seem to address the implied threat from the Greedy Six of a breakaway if they don’t get their way. Only time will tell but I would guess it will be better than nothing but will fail to match the headlines. NB Bullet point in for the benefit of Holiday Teach.
Given how well other government regulators are performing (ofcom/ofwat) wouldn’t hold much hope that this one will be any better.
Wouldn't disagree. But for us, Villa and the EFL at least something might change and, if so, hopefully for the better. Can actually see the EFL benefitting with an improved share of the spondoolies given the catalyst that sparked this into being. Not so sure for us and Villa.
"Tough new financial regulation to make sure clubs have a long-term sustainable future." Well that could mean anything. Could be even worse for us than current rules. "Ban on clubs joining closed-shop competitions and breakaway leagues." Ban them how exactly? How would they enforce this, legally? Ban them from PL / FA comperitions, yeah. But that's what they would be doing anyway. I don't see how you can legally stop a team from breaking away? "Stronger tests to stop rogue owners." This is a positive, if applied effectively. The likes of Reading almost disappeared recently. "'Backstop powers' to ensure a fair financial distribution between leagues." Could be a positive, again IF applied correctly. Issue with 'fair' is that is always open to interpretation. Lower level clubs should get more support to help keep the infrastructure in place. Rest is all a bit... 'meh'.
