Football regulator would not have to align takeover decisions with foreign policy

The proposed regulator for men’s football in England will no longer have to ensure decisions on club takeovers align with the government’s foreign and trade policy.

The removal of the clause follows veiled threats by UEFA to ban English teams from European competitions after being concerned about potential prohibited government interference in football.

Labour made the change after reworking the Football Governance Bill inherited from the Conservative government, which ran out of time to enact it into law before calling the general election for July.

While opposed by the all-powerful and wealthy Premier League, the independent football regulator emerged from the anger over elite clubs trying to split off to join a breakaway Super League in 2021 – as well as concerns about the financial sustainability of clubs lower down the pyramid.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) claimed the bill being introduced in the House of Lords has been “strengthened”, although the full version is yet to be published and still only covers the men’s game.

There is now a commitment for clubs to publish equality, diversity and inclusion action plans as well as listen to fans more, with what the DCMS calls “effective engagement” on changes to ticket prices and the location of clubs.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “For too long, financial instability has meant loyal fans and whole communities have risked losing their cherished clubs as a result of mismanagement and reckless spending.

“This bill seeks to properly redress the balance, putting fans back at the heart of the game, taking on rogue owners and crucially helping to put clubs up and down the country on a sound financial footing.”