Rebecca Harris has welcomed the news of the creation of an Independent Football Regulator following the introduction of the Football Governance Bill.
Local clubs are the lifeblood of communities across the country. The introduction of legislation to create the Independent Football Regulator follows several threats to the game that have arisen without fan consultation; these have included club relocations, the creation of the European Super League and drastic alterations to the identity of clubs which have threatened their heritage. That is why the Conservative Government is addressing the concerns of fans by creating an Independent Football Regulator which will be given comprehensive powers to work with clubs to improve their finances, create stronger tests for proposed club owners and safeguard clubs’ heritage by delivering greater fan representation in club decisions.
The Independent Football Regulator will oversee a new licensing regime for clubs in the top five tiers of English football. The regulator will follow an advocacy first approach but will have the power to revoke licences and impose fines where serious breaches occur. The regulator will also be responsible for overseeing requests by club owners to sell the club or relocate the stadium and introduce baseline standards for fan involvement in key off field decisions such as club heritage.
Commenting, Rebecca said:
“Football clubs like Canvey Island F.C. are the lifeblood of communities across the country, including in Castle Point, with thousands of us each week turning out to support our local team. That is why I welcome that the Government is ensuring that fans are better represented through the creation of the Independent Football Regulator.”
Commenting, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“Football is nothing without its fans. We are determined to put them back at the heart of the game and ensure clubs as vital community assets continue to thrive. The new Independent Regulator of Football will set the game on a sustainable footing, strengthening clubs and the entire football pyramid for generations.”
