The Football Governance Bill received significant support in Parliament, with MPs voting 342 to 70 in favor of its second reading. The bill aims to establish an independent regulator for the top five tiers of men’s football in England, ensuring clubs are managed sustainably and held accountable to their fans. It also grants the regulator ‘backstop’ powers to impose a financial settlement between the English Football League (EFL) and the Premier League if they cannot reach an agreement independently.
Labour MP Ian Byrne took the opportunity to suggest enhancements to the bill, including fairer ticket pricing and addressing the plight of ex-players suffering from dementia. A notable proposal was the introduction of an ‘Everton clause,’ allowing fans to appeal to the regulator regarding decisions impacting their club. This suggestion stems from the controversy surrounding Everton’s points deductions last season due to breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which many fans perceived as unfair.
Ian Byrne said: “They would like to see an amendment passed to this Bill, the Everton clause, giving the new regulator a backstop power to require the Premier League to rerun a PSR process if there were concerns about its fairness. As a minimum, supporters of all clubs should have the ability to appeal to the regulator to ensure fair and due process in PSR cases to prevent any perception of unbalanced treatment.”
Everton fan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised Byrne’s intervention, highlighting the importance of fair governance in football. Meanwhile, concerns about the independence of the proposed regulator were addressed by sports minister Stephanie Peacock. She assured that the regulator would operate independently of the government, with no undue influence on the Football Association’s governance abilities.
Stephanie Peacock said: “Uefa has confirmed in writing to the shadow secretary of state and the FA confirmed directly to peers that the Bill as drafted does not breach Uefa statutes. The regulator will be operationally independent of the Government and will not exert undue influence on the FA’s ability to govern the game.”
The bill’s progress is being closely monitored, especially given past concerns from European football’s governing body, Uefa, about potential government interference. However, Peacock emphasized that Uefa has not opposed similar legislation in Spain or Italy, reinforcing confidence in the bill’s alignment with international standards.
Additionally, the discussion highlighted David Kogan’s qualifications for a role within the regulatory framework. Kogan, who has extensive experience negotiating broadcasting rights and advising major football organizations, was recommended by the previous government for his expertise.
As the Football Governance Bill advances, the proposed ‘Everton clause’ represents a significant step towards ensuring fairness and accountability in English football, empowering fans and safeguarding the integrity of the game.
