Fair Game calls for ‘extensive rewrite’ of Regulator’s financial powers

“The Bill appears to absolve the regulator of any responsibility over financial flow. Only the Premier League or the EFL can propose a financial deal. The National League aren't even at the table. And as for fans and the communities clubs are based in they are not even in the footnotes.

If the Regulator is going to achieve its primary objectives of achieving the financial sustainability of the football pyramid, then at first glance Part Six of the Bill [The distribution of Revenue] needs an extensive rewrite.”

Mike Baker, Fair Game Director of Advocacy

19 Mar. 2024, LONDON, UK - Responding to the long-awaited publication of the Football Governance Bill, Fair Game’s director of advocacy Mike Baker said:

“We welcome the publication of the Bill, and we’re pouring through the 130 pages. But our immediate focus goes on financial flow, which is central to the future health of the game.

“This Bill as it stands falls short.

“Football's ecosystem is broken. Yet, the Bill appears to absolve the regulator of any responsibility over financial flow. Only the Premier League or the EFL can propose a financial deal. And only the Premier League or the EFL can trigger backstop powers.

“It is only after the backstop has been triggered and meditation has failed that the regulator can call for further proposals and then act as an arbitrator choosing one which best meets the sustainability criteria set out by the new ‘State of the Game’ survey.

“However, the EFL's voting structure is weighted heavily towards the Championship, and the National League aren't even at the table. And as for fans and the communities clubs are based in they are not even in the footnotes.

“If the Regulator is going to achieve its primary objectives of achieving the financial sustainability of the football pyramid, then at first glance Part Six of the Bill [The distribution of Revenue] needs an extensive rewrite.

“We will now take time to go through fully and look into every bit of detail, this is such an historic moment that we all need to really look closely as we know the devil is in the detail.”