Trust chair Keith Morgan
Trust chair Keith Morgan has welcomed the introduction in Parliament today of the Football Governance Bill that will see an independent Football Regulator established. This will give football fans a greater say in their clubs.
Keith Morgan said: ”The Trust has been actively involved with the national Football Supporters’ Association and the UK Government for some time in helping to progress fans’ rights from a Fan-Led Review to formal legislation. This has continued after the change of Government this summer.
“Today, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will be presenting an updated, strengthened version of the Bill to the House of Lords in order to speed up progress of the legislation following approval to date in the House of Commons.
“The Bill will grant increased powers to an Independent Regulator of English Football covering the top five divisions of the English football pyramid. These powers will make clubs accountable for their financial well-being, including powers to enforce financial support from the Premier League to the English Football League (eg parachute payments).
Another key element of the legislation is to make clubs far more accountable to their supporters with effective engagement and consultation. As Lisa Nandy says it puts fans back at the heart of the game.”
“The EFL has welcomed the new Bill in its updated form. While the Premier League recognises the key elements of the Bill can make the game stronger it is not happy with the proposed new power of the regulator to control payments between the EPL and the EFL.
“It is estimated that the Regulator will be fully in place in no more than 18 months but we will continue to update our members at each stage of progression.”