Closed petition Implement the recommendations of the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance

In November 2021 the government published the final report from the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance. We, the undersigned, call on the government to support these recommendations with legislation, including the creation of the Independent Regulator for English Football.

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The FLR's final report was published in November 2021 and the recommendations it contained enjoy widespread support from football fans across the country in addition to cross-party political support.

A number of news reports have suggested the new government may consider delaying or postponing legislation in support of the recommendations. We call on the government to uphold the commitments made, both in their own manifesto and the Queen's Speech, in full.

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Plans to protect football fans and their clubs set out by Government

On Thursday 23 February the Government announced its plans to introduce new rules for professional football clubs, including a new independent regulator for the men's elite game.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has published a 'White Paper' (a policy document) which sets out their plans.

A Minister from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport gave a statement about the Government's plans in the House of Commons.

How is the Government planning to protect football fans and their clubs?

The Government has said it will establish a new independent regulator for the men’s elite game in law, and that this regulator will:

  • Oversee the financial sustainability of clubs
  • Ensure fans have a say in how their club is run
  • Implement a new licensing system for professional clubs
  • Approve sales or relocations of stadiums
  • Have powers to block English clubs from joining breakaway leagues

These plans follow the Government accepting recommendations from the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance report.

The Government's Fan-Led Review of Football

The review that prompted this White Paper was launched in April 2021 and was triggered by several events which affected the game including the covid-19 pandemic, financial problems for clubs and attempts to create new break-away leagues.

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MPs debate football regulation

On Wednesday 8 November, MPs took part in an adjournment debate on football regulation. During the debate MPs discussed the Government's plans to introduce legislation to create an Independent Football Regulator to protect the future of English football for fans and communities.

The debate was led by Matt Rodda MP. Sir John Whittingdale MP, The Minister for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, responded for the Government.

What are Adjournment debates?

Adjournment debates are general debates which do not end in a vote. They give a backbench MP the opportunity to raise an issue and receive a response from a government minister.

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