Financial flow must be at ‘the heart’ of a new regulator, says Shadow Sec Powell

LUCY Powell, the Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has called on the new Independent Regulator into English football to have fairer financial flow at “its heart”.

Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, made the comments in an exclusive interview with Fair Game and Eurosport presenter Matt Roberts. She said: “We have a White Paper, there is a Bill coming, there is going to be an Independent Regulator.

“[But] we need to make sure that the Independent Regulator has the powers that’s needed, and has sustainability and a fairer distribution of finances across the football pyramid at its heart.

“We have seen the collapse of clubs like Bury, and other clubs getting into difficulties like Derby, Southend and Scunthorpe – they all represent the heart of their communities – and that is one of the real arguments for a regulator.

“Every week that passes there is an example of why we need football reform. Football clubs matter to their communities.”

She added: “A regulator will help deal with some of the issues that football itself hasn’t been able to deal with. The White Paper can be improved in some areas, and we will look to do that.”