By Martin Graham
Football supporters and public figures have celebrated a landmark development in English football following the passing of a bill that creates an independent regulator for the mens game.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the bill as a proud and defining moment for the national sport, promising it would lead to a stronger, fairer future. The Football Governance Act, which received Royal Assent on Monday, paves the way for an independent oversight body that will supervise clubs in the top five English divisions.
The new law originated from a review led by supporters and was reintroduced by the Labour administration after a similar bill under the Conservatives stalled due to the May election. The regulator is expected to be operational before the end of the year, with the football industry consulted ahead of any rule changes.
Kevin Miles, who heads the Football Supporters Association, called the bill a historic moment, while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it would protect clubs like her own, Wigan Athletic, from harmful ownership and financial mismanagement.
What the new regulator will be empowered to do
The independent body will have significant authority to ensure the long-term viability of clubs, introduce more robust checks on prospective owners, and block participation in breakaway leagues such as the European Super League project attempted in 2021.
Supporter engagement will become a legal standard, meaning fans will be involved in critical decisions, including kit colours, badge alterations, and stadium relocations. The act also provides mechanisms to resolve disputes over revenue sharing between divisions.
Although welcomed by many, some Premier League representatives voiced concerns. The league had previously claimed that the proposed body would interfere with financial arrangements and negatively affect competitiveness and investment.
During parliamentary discussions, figures like West Ham Uniteds vice chair Karren Brady raised alarms about potential unintended consequences. She warned that the structure could compromise competition.
Still, English Football League chair Rick Parry referred to the legislation as a watershed moment, suggesting it would enable movement across divisions without financial ruin.
Support from fans and campaigners
The move comes after several clubs faced serious financial issues. Reading, for example, suffered relegation and points penalties before being sold to Rob Couhig. The clubs previous owner, Dai Yongge, was banned by the EFL.
Sarah Turner, who leads the Reading supporters trust STAR, expressed support for the regulator, citing the damaging effects of poor ownership decisions. She noted how local communities bear the brunt when clubs are mismanaged.
Kieran Maguire, an expert in sports finance at the University of Liverpool, said the body would help prevent clubs from being treated purely as financial assets.
Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination group, endorsed the bill as a crucial step for financial integrity, cultural preservation, and inclusive representation in football governance.
The Football Supporters Association pledged continued collaboration with the new regulator, aiming to ensure the fan perspective remains central as reforms begin to take shape.
