EFL Welcome “important milestone” of Football Governance Bill

EFL Chairman, Rick Parry has welcomed “an important milestone” of the Football Governance Bill getting published in UK Parliament. 

Since six Premier League clubs attempted to break away as part of a controversial European Super League (ESL) in April 2021, the UK Government ordered a fan led review of football governance which has led to the Football Governance Bill which will be published tomorrow (19 March).

The aim of the Football Governance Bill is to introduce an independent regulator to regulate the sport’s “broken financial model” as described by Parry, who hopes that this will help “fix” the gulf between top and lower league clubs and “secure the long-term financial sustainability of England’s football pyramid.”

Parry also welcomed the establishment of an Independent Football Regulator to “be at the heart of this reform,” and feels “encouraged” by the Regulator receiving “backstop powers to deliver financial redistributions should the game be unable to agree a deal itself.”

EFL has communicated with the Government and other parties across Parliament in recent years to try and achieve better financial stability across the pyramid, with Parry pleased at the “appreciation of just how important professional Clubs are to their communities and why they must be protected.”

The Government have also committed to a ‘State of the Game Review’ which will form a base for the Independent Regulator to work upon “making the game financially sustainable.”

Parry has vowed that the EFL will continue to contribute to that review whilst continuing their work with EFL clubs, Parliament and officials to ensure that this bill “is fit for purpose and can deliver the best regulatory regime to safeguard our game for generations.”

Parry also issued a tribute to MPs, fans and everyone who helped to get the Football Governance Bill into Parliament, but iterated that it is important to continue their collaboration moving forward.

“Finally, on behalf of the EFL I would like to thank MPs, Peers, fans and all those who have helped get the Bill to Parliament and we will continue to work collaboratively in the months ahead.”