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Independent regulator to block English clubs joining Super League
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British government confirmed new independent body

The UK government confirmed the plan, recommended by a fan-led review last year, for a new football’s independent regulator which would be able to block clubs from joining a breakaway European Super League.

Independent regulator to block English clubs joining Super League 1

“The English game remains one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports, with clubs and leagues around the world modelling themselves on its success,” the government said before its white paper on football governance – a policy document which outlines the proposed legislation – is released on Thursday.

“That is why the government is today taking the necessary and targeted steps to ensure that continues for generations.”

The main purposes of the proposed new regulator will be:

  • Stopping English clubs from joining closed-shop competitions, which are judged to harm the domestic game
  • Preventing a repeat of financial failings seen at numerous clubs, notably the collapses of Bury and Macclesfield
  • Introducing a more stringent owners’ and directors’ test to protect clubs and fans
  • Giving fans power to stop owners changing a club’s name, badge and traditional kit colours
  • Ensuring a fair distribution of money filters down the English football pyramid from the Premier League

The English Premier League was understood to be wary of a regulatory body when the proposals were announced in April last year. The league says it is “vital” a regulator does not lead to any “unintended consequences” that could affect its global appeal and success.

Six English top flight clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – were among 12 clubs from across Europe that announced plans to form a European Super League in a shock move in April 2021.

It sparked a tumultuous few days in English and European football.

Fans quickly demonstrated their anger at the plan outside English clubs’ stadiums – with similarly vitriolic protests taking place across Europe – forcing the Premier League clubs to back down and apologize.