England, the birthplace of football, is planning to establish a regulatory body for the sport

It is considered a birthplace soccer modern, England On Tuesday, the 7th of this month, he gave important signals that he intends to make the sport more transparent and financially healthy for the clubs and their fans. In his first speech to the king Charles IIIThe King indicated that a football governance law would be introduced. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed plans to establish an independent regulatory body.

This body, in the form of a regulatory agency, will operate a licensing system applicable to the top five divisions of English men's football, with the ability to act on issues including compliance with financial regulation, corporate governance and fan engagement. Tighter rules will be imposed on club owners, minimum standards for fan participation will be introduced and joining alternative leagues will be banned.

Football is in crisis in the UK. Covid-19 has devastated the finances of lower-tier clubs, and the economic crisis has affected everyone involved. “The collapse of the Bury club [um dos clubes mais antigos do país]The text of a government document stated that the devastating impact of the epidemic on clubs and the failed plan for the European Super League revealed the financial unsustainability of some clubs and the need for greater accountability from fans.

“Regulatory agencies are not common in football. As a rule, they perform their function in activities that have relations with the state or public services, and this is not the case with football. It draws attention to the fact that this agency is created in the state that has one of the “The best organizations in world football. Therefore, it seems that something has failed in this context. “It will also be interesting to know FIFA's position on this matter, because according to its statute, governmental interference in football is prohibited, with federations being subject to suspension when this occurs. Such an intervention,” explains Eduardo Carlezo, lawyer specialized in sports law and partner at Carlezo Adfojados.

English Football League president Rick Barry described the initiative as a “historic commitment” that would help mitigate the risk of fans losing their clubs entirely. For Barry, the “football pyramid”, as the sports league system in England is called, is important. “It is a unique strength of English football and something that must be protected and nurtured,” he said.

Watch live: My statement in the House of Commons after the King's Speech https://t.co/gr35h0Mkdw

– Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 7, 2023

Fair Game, a group of clubs that campaigns to improve the governance of English football, issued a statement celebrating the letter and the idea of ​​an independent regulatory body. “This represents a real opportunity to end the cycle of overspending and mismanagement that has plagued our national game and threatened the very existence of our clubs,” wrote Niall Cooper, the organisation’s chief executive. “(…) Reckless spending, the disconnect between clubs and their communities, and paying lip service to equality standards must be consigned to the dustbin of history.”