Supporters of Oxford United have endorsed the Football Governance Bill, which is being introduced in Parliament today (Tuesday, March 19), and call for the creation of an independent regulator.
The Premier League and the EFL’s ongoing dispute over money distribution will be resolved by football’s independent regulator.
The government has long informed the football authorities that in the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the regulator will step in with “backstop powers.”
According to a government announcement on the bill, “these powers mean that if the leagues fail to agree on a new deal on financial distributions, then the backstop can be triggered to ensure a settlement is reached.”
“The Oxford United Supporters Panel welcomes the progress announced today regarding the Football Governance Bill, which places financial sustainability at its centre and recognises the importance of fans through enhanced requirements on fan engagement,” stated Janine Bailey on behalf of the panel.
While self control is admirable in a perfect world, ours is not one of those.
One instance of this is the Premier League’s inability to present a substantial proposal regarding the allocation of funds in recent weeks.
“The communities around football clubs need to have their assets safeguarded. We’re interested to see how the regulator handles this.
Nearby, the selling of Oxford United’s Manor Ground and the subsequent 20 years of playing in a stadium we do not own have limited our operations and financial resources.
A short distance away, Reading is having financial difficulties and appears to be considering selling their Training Ground at a low price in order to raise money for the upcoming few months.
“Any club could be just one owner away from a comparable outcome. We hope that the bill will establish significant enforcement and the enhanced owner’s and director’s tests that have been promised.
“In general, we support efforts to establish an independent regulator for football in this country,” an OxVox supporter spokesperson stated.
Even though football is now a multibillion dollar industry, it is too significant to be left in the hands of a select few.
“We have witnessed the possibility of a breakaway European league at one extreme and the demise of long-standing community clubs at the other.
“Fans across the country do not want a closed shop and are united in wanting football to remain a meritocracy in which any team, even our own, can aspire to the top division and share in the success.”
Although the exact timing and nature of the powers have not yet been confirmed, the Government stated in a consultation response from last September that binding final offer arbitration was one option it was thinking about.
In that system, the regulator would evaluate each proposal that the two leagues submitted based on pre-established standards before selecting and enforcing one as the legally-binding agreement.
During a meeting last Monday, there had been expectation that the Premier League’s clubs would present a formal offer to the EFL. However, none was made, and the Premier League stated that its clubs were prioritising agreement on new financial regulations for the top division.
“The Premier League will now study the Football Governance Bill, working closely with Government, parliamentarians, and key stakeholders,” according to a statement the league released on Monday night.
“We all agree that it’s critical for football teams to be able to sustain themselves, stay a vital part of their communities, and that the fans are essential to the game.”
Once established, the regulator’s main goal will be to use a licencing system to protect the clubs’ financial viability in England. Clubs from the National League through the Premier League will be covered by this.
According to the government, the regulator will be able to fine non-compliant clubs up to 10% of their turnover.
Additionally, it will have the authority to prevent clubs from participating in unapproved leagues, responding to the outcry from supporters incited by England’s “Big Six” attempt to establish a European Super League in April 2021.
In order to give clubs time to adjust, the government has stated that the regulator’s licencing regime will be “proportionate” and will include a system of provisional and full licences.
According to the government, the regulator will have the authority to evaluate potential new directors and owners and to disqualify them if they willfully or persistently disregard licencing requirements.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated: “As we witnessed in the distressing situations of Bury and Macclesfield Town, for far too long some clubs have been exploited by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse.”
“This Bill is a historic moment for football fans because it will ensure that their voices are heard, stop a breakaway league, safeguard clubs’ financial stability, and preserve the legacy of both our major and minor clubs.
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