- FAIR GAME applauded the Government for its decision to include a new revamped Football Governance Bill in the King’s Speech today but called on Labour to ensure the Independent Football Regulator has the powers to deliver the change needed for our National Game.

Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game, an organisation that represents 34 men’s professional football clubs throughout the English football pyramid, said:

“Football is in urgent need of change and the commitment to progress a reworked Football Governance Bill, as proposed in today’s King's Speech, is music to our ears.

“The Labour government is making all the right noises about the remit of an independent football regulator and today’s proposal looks to go further than the previous Conservative Bill.

“There is no doubt reform is needed. Football’s financial flow is seriously flawed - the gaps between the divisions have been growing wider and wider over the last 20 years. 

“At the moment, for every £1000 given to a Premier League club from the current broadcast deal, just 14p goes to a club in the National League North or South.

“So it is brilliant news to hear the Government is firmly committed to delivering a fairer financial distribution at all levels of the football pyramid.

“But the devil will be in the detail. The concept of backstop powers needs to go further. The new regulator must also have the powers to ensure any new deal between leagues addresses football’s flawed financial flow. Without it, football will be doomed to repeat the failures of the past.”

Couper added:  

“There is still more that needs to change from the original Bill to create a robust and independent regulator. 

“The previous Bill fell short in a number of areas - not just finances. The Owners and Directors Test needed strengthening, support for clubs to implement the changes was overlooked, and an early commitment to equality standards had been omitted.

“Fair Game and our legal partners looked at the Bill line by line and have identified the alteration needed to make it truly fit for purpose and stand ready to work closely with the Government to help deliver those changes. 

“We have a fully prepared version that the new Government can deliver to create a fairer future for football. 

“The need for an overhaul of the governance of our National Game is evident and now is the time to make a difference. this is a real sliding doors’ moment.”