New Football Regulator Bill Ushers in Historic Powers to Protect English Game

21/07/2025

English football is set for a major transformation after the landmark Football Governance Act became law, granting sweeping powers to a newly created independent regulator. 

Photo by Steven Halliwell | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Designed to safeguard the future of clubs and put fans at the heart of the game, the bill has been hailed as a "historic moment" by supporters' groups and government officials alike.

The independent regulator, set to launch later this year, will oversee clubs from the Premier League down to the National League, marking a seismic shift in how football is governed in England. 

The powers it will wield are both wide-ranging and robust, aimed at tackling long-standing issues around financial instability, rogue ownership, and fan disengagement.

Key Powers of the Regulator:

  • Stronger Financial Oversight:
    The regulator will introduce strict financial sustainability tests to ensure clubs are run responsibly and aren't pushed to the brink by reckless spending or mismanagement. The aim is to secure the long-term health of clubs across all divisions.

  • Ownership Scrutiny:
    Tougher ownership tests will aim to stop unsuitable or "rogue" owners from gaining control of clubs. This comes after years of controversy involving financially irresponsible or unqualified owners putting clubs and communities at risk.

  • Fan Engagement Standards:
    Clubs will be legally required to engage with fans in key decision-making processes. This is a major win for supporter groups who have long called for more transparency and influence over club operations.

  • Ban on Breakaway Leagues:
    In response to the attempted formation of the European Super League in 2021, the regulator will have the authority to block clubs from joining closed-shop competitions that threaten the integrity of English football.

  • Fairer Financial Distribution:
    The regulator has "backstop powers" to intervene and ensure fair financial distribution between leagues if current governing bodies fail to reach agreement—potentially narrowing the gap between the Premier League and the rest of the pyramid.

  • Protection of Club Heritage:
    Key elements of club identity—such as shirt colours, crests, and stadium locations—will be protected by law, making it harder for owners to make sweeping changes without fan input.

A Fan-Led Victory

The establishment of the regulator stems from a comprehensive fan-led review and has received cross-party support. After failing to pass under the previous Conservative government, the Labour government reintroduced the bill immediately after the 2024 general election.

"This is a huge moment for football fans," said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. "We're fixing the foundations of football and putting fans back at the heart of the game."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment: "It's a proud and defining moment for English football. Our Football Governance Act delivers on our promise to fans—it will protect the clubs they cherish."

Opposition and Industry Concerns

Not everyone in football has welcomed the move. Premier League officials and some club executives, including West Ham's vice-chair Karren Brady, raised concerns over competition and market disruption. Yet the consensus among fans and politicians is clear: regulation is long overdue.

Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters' Association, called it "an historic moment for football in this country," noting that the regulator will finally hold clubs to account and offer protections that fans have demanded for years.

As the independent regulator prepares to take shape, clubs, fans, and governing bodies alike are entering a new era and one many believe is the most significant shift in English football governance in decades.

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