Football fans win big as regulator law becomes official
English football now has a new law that puts fans first. A new bill called the Football Governance Act has passed and gives power to a new body that will watch over the men’s game in the top five leagues. This independent regulator will ensure clubs are run correctly, protect fans' rights, and keep football safe for years to come.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a proud moment for English football. He said the law will make the game stronger and fairer. The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) also said this is a big win for fans.
The idea for the regulator came from a fan-led review. It was first pushed by the former Conservative government in March 2024, but didn’t become law before the election. Labour brought it back after winning and passed it. The regulator is expected to launch later this year.
What the regulator will do
The new football regulator will bring key changes to how clubs are run. It will set new rules to stop poor owners and protect clubs from money troubles. Here’s what it will do:
- Make clubs show strong financial plans
- Block owners who don’t meet tough new rules
- Give fans a real say in club changes
- Ban clubs from joining closed leagues like the failed 2021 European Super League
- Protect club identity like team colours, badges, and stadiums
- Help make sure money is shared fairly between leagues
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said this law will stop clubs from being ruined by bad owners. She mentioned clubs like Wigan, which faced financial problems in the past. She said this move will put fans back where they belong, in the room when big decisions are made.
EFL chair Rick Parry called the law a 'watershed moment'. He said it will help clubs move up or down the leagues without risking collapse.
The future for fans and clubs
Some people, like West Ham vice chair Karren Brady and others in the Premier League, do not fully support the law. They think it may hurt how clubs compete and spend money. Still, many fans welcome the change. Groups like Kick It Out say the new rules will protect clubs and include all fans in key decisions.
Fans from Reading, a club that suffered from bad owners, say this law is long overdue. Jobs were lost, and the club nearly fell apart. They believe the new regulator will help stop that from happening again.
Kevin Miles from the FSA said fans helped push this bill through and will work with the new regulator to keep clubs safe.
A huge step for English football
This new law is a big deal. It gives power back to the fans, protects club history, and makes sure owners can’t just do whatever they want. Football fans now have more voice, more safety, and more power in the game they love.
