Football (Independent Regulator) Bill

A

BILL

TO

Introduce an independent regulator for football within the English football pyramid, and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows –

Section 1: Definitions

(1) “Independent fan organisations” are those representing supporters of a club, a league or a specific cause that are separate from any club, league or governing body

(2) “Representatives” must have the proven backing of the organisation by

1. Consent of leadership
2. A majority popular vote from members of the organisation

Section 2: Structure of Regulator

(1) A body by the title of ‘The Independent Regulator For Football Within England’ (referred to as the Independent Regulator throughout the rest of this bill) will be established.

(2) This body will have its members selected by the government through the relevant department for sporting matters

(a) At least 75% of members must be representatives of independent fan organisations

(3) All representatives will be in full time employment by the Independent Regulator

Section 3: Functions of Regulator

(1) The independent regulator will be given the power to

(a) Impose regulations regarding the management of football clubs and leagues

(b) Punish violations of regulations with fines, points deductions or competition exclusion

(c) Impose criteria for football club ownership and compel violating owners to sell their clubs

(d) Bar any football-related monetary transaction

(2) The relevant government minister for sport can restrict the use of these powers in specific isolated circumstances or modify applied punishments.

(3) The regulator will only act upon consultation and approval of international regulators

Section 4: Extent, commencement and short title

(1) This Act shall extend across England and Wales.

(2) This act shall not extend to Wales until a motion is passed by simple majority of votes cast by the Senedd Cymru resolving that this Act should extend to Wales.

(2) This Act shall come into force immediately after receiving Royal Assent.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Football (Independent Regulator) Act.

This Bill was submitted by The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport u/Itsholmgangthen on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government

Opening speech:

Macclesfield. Bury. Darlington. 3 once football league mainstay clubs with thousands of fans that have ceased to exist within the past decade, all down to bad management. There are many more examples of how unscrupulous owners can lead clubs into failure: Bolton plummeted out of the Premier League down to League 2, the same thing happened to Portsmouth. Derby and Sheffield Wednesday, two absolutely massive clubs, have recently gone into administration and fell down into league 1. I could go on and on and on. Clearly the current football regulations are not tight enough. Not enough is being done to protect these landmarks of local culture and community. This is why I bring this bill before the house today. If passed, it would establish an independent, fan lead, regulator for football to prevent and punish mismanagement, tighten the rules on who can own clubs - no more foreign governments - and increase transparency within the game. I don't care where you stand on the political spectrum. It should be clear to all of us that more regulations are required and a better standard needs to be set. I hope every member of the house will rise in support of this bill.

This division will end on Wednesday 10th May at 10pm BST.