United Kingdom: Government confirms plans to establish an independent football regulator

The British government has confirmed its plans to establish an independent football regulator, on 22/02/2023. These "plans follow the Government accepting recommendations from the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance" (see below) commissioned by the UK Department of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, published on 24/11/2021.

Among its main functions, the independent regulator "will have the power to prevent English clubs from joining new competitions that do not meet a predetermined criteria, in consultation with The FA and fans. That criteria could include measures to stop clubs participating in closed-shop breakaway competitions which harm the domestic game, such as the European Super League," explained the UK Government. A white paper (a document which outlines the proposed legislation) on the subject is due to be published today (23/02/2023, see below).

"As part of its wide ranging remit the regulator will also:
• Ensure club directors demonstrate good basic financial practices, have appropriate financial resources and protect the core assets of the club;
• Improve…