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There will be summary information in relation to this and (hopefully) the FSA's detailed evidence to the review on the BST website over the coming week or so.
Pleased to publish my interim findings from the Fan Led Review into Football Governance which include recommendations for an Independent Regulator, a golden share on certain heritage issues, much improved governance across football. My full letter is at https://t.co/ze2mZ6JkKH
Pleased to publish my interim findings from the Fan Led Review into Football Governance which include recommendations for an Independent Regulator, a golden share on certain heritage issues, much improved governance across football. My full letter is at https://t.co/ze2mZ6JkKH
Saved me asking a couple of questions on the other thread
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Saved me asking a couple of questions on the other thread
Good letter
1. IREF - will depend on its scope and range of powers
2.Golden share - Would like to see the golden share and critical football assets such as stadium, pitch, players, training ground, etc ringfenced as a single company.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
1. IREF - will depend on its scope and range of powers
2.Golden share - Would like to see the golden share and critical football assets such as stadium, pitch, players, training ground, etc ringfenced as a single company.
An outstanding piece of work which has taken many hours of dedicated research and slog. 👏👏👏 https://t.co/8jQjgCqqKt
— BST (Blackpool Supporters Trust) (@BlackpoolST) July 23, 2021
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
An outstanding piece of work which has taken many hours of dedicated research and slog. 👏👏👏 https://t.co/8jQjgCqqKt
— BST (Blackpool Supporters Trust) (@BlackpoolST) July 23, 2021
Chapter 4 is the best, clearly.
It's a huge effort by the FSA and I know that the Panel were impressed by the breadth of it as well as the depth of detail.
As ever with these things, turning this into legislation, policy and using both to effect change will be immensely challenging - even if only some of it ends up getting adopted. The implications for the Supporters Trust movement as a whole are prodigious.
It's a huge effort by the FSA and I know that the Panel were impressed by the breadth of it as well as the depth of detail.
As ever with these things, turning this into legislation, policy and using both to effect change will be immensely challenging - even if only some of it ends up getting adopted. The implications for the Supporters Trust movement as a whole are prodigious.
Drinking alcohol in seats at football grounds 'could be permitted' as part of fan-led review into game
While still permitted in the concourses, drinking alcohol in seats has been banned since 1985 to stem hooliganism in the game. Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, who is leading the review, will reportedly recommend changes to that policy.
Drinking alcohol in seats at football grounds, banned since 1985, could be reinstated as part of a fan-led review into the game.
Former sports minister and current Conservative MP Tracey Crouch is set to publish her independent review into football, with a key recommendation being changes to how alcohol is consumed within stadiums, according to The Times newspaper.
Currently, drinking alcohol is permitted in the concourses of grounds in the Football League but not in seats, meaning fans can drink before the match and quickly at half-time.
Ms Crouch admitted the timing of the recommendation against the backdrop of the scenes at Wembley for the Euro 2020 final in July is not ideal, but feels the moment has come to review how alcohol is viewed as part of the match-going experience.
"Our view on alcohol and football is outdated," she told The Times. "It's not helped when you see scenes like we did at Wembley. But that's why I would pilot it first. Let's get the data.
"My view is not some kind of altruistic view that fans should be able to drink at football. It's also about allowing clubs to be able to sustain themselves.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Drinking alcohol in seats at football grounds 'could be permitted' as part of fan-led review into game
While still permitted in the concourses, drinking alcohol in seats has been banned since 1985 to stem hooliganism in the game. Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, who is leading the review, will reportedly recommend changes to that policy.
Drinking alcohol in seats at football grounds, banned since 1985, could be reinstated as part of a fan-led review into the game.
Former sports minister and current Conservative MP Tracey Crouch is set to publish her independent review into football, with a key recommendation being changes to how alcohol is consumed within stadiums, according to The Times newspaper.
Currently, drinking alcohol is permitted in the concourses of grounds in the Football League but not in seats, meaning fans can drink before the match and quickly at half-time.
Ms Crouch admitted the timing of the recommendation against the backdrop of the scenes at Wembley for the Euro 2020 final in July is not ideal, but feels the moment has come to review how alcohol is viewed as part of the match-going experience.
"Our view on alcohol and football is outdated," she told The Times. "It's not helped when you see scenes like we did at Wembley. But that's why I would pilot it first. Let's get the data.
"My view is not some kind of altruistic view that fans should be able to drink at football. It's also about allowing clubs to be able to sustain themselves.
EFL chairman sets out major new proposals following Derby County administration
Football League chairman Rick Parry has set out the recommendations he gave the government to narrow the "unbridgeable" wealth gap between the Premier League and the Championship, which is "enshrined" within current rules.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Parry outlined the recommendations he made to Tracey Crouch MP, leader of the government's independent review of football governance.
He said that Derby are "right in the middle" of profit and sustainability rules which are "neither profitable nor sustainable", adding that the club's administration “illustrated the real challenges of the broken Championship financial model”.
Parry's proposals would see amortisation — the process of declining player values in club accounts over months and years - removed from the profit and sustainability regulations.
“Derby didn’t go into administration because of amortisation, no-one ever does,” he said. "It’s cash that matters. Have a cash break-even so transfer fees spent and received go in as cash.”
Parry's proposals include the Premier League handling the sale of EFL broadcast rights, with 25% - as much as £750m - of the combined total (Premier League and EFL) being split between all EFL clubs.
He also wants to see parachute payments scrapped and the introduction of merit payments in the EFL, which he says would reduce the earnings gap between the bottom of the Premier League and top of the Championship by half.
New “cash break-even” rules are also being called for, as well as a fixed 60% wages-to-revenue ratio and owner investment to be counted as revenue. The latter, he says, would stop "an insanity" that has taken over owners pushing for the Premier League.
On the abolition of parachute payments, which totalled £228m in 2019-20, he said: “That might bring people to the table fairly quickly because relegation without parachute payments at the moment is curtains.
"A regulator could say, ‘We are not going to tell you what you should pay but we are saying you shouldn’t be paying this small group of clubs selectively’. It would be a catalyst [for discussion].”
He added: “Owner funding has to be cash rather than promises. Go in up front, bonded. Two or three years commitment … but you will never solve the issue of what happens when the owners stop.”
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
EFL chairman sets out major new proposals following Derby County administration
Football League chairman Rick Parry has set out the recommendations he gave the government to narrow the "unbridgeable" wealth gap between the Premier League and the Championship, which is "enshrined" within current rules.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Parry outlined the recommendations he made to Tracey Crouch MP, leader of the government's independent review of football governance.
He said that Derby are "right in the middle" of profit and sustainability rules which are "neither profitable nor sustainable", adding that the club's administration “illustrated the real challenges of the broken Championship financial model”.
Parry's proposals would see amortisation — the process of declining player values in club accounts over months and years - removed from the profit and sustainability regulations.
“Derby didn’t go into administration because of amortisation, no-one ever does,” he said. "It’s cash that matters. Have a cash break-even so transfer fees spent and received go in as cash.”
Parry's proposals include the Premier League handling the sale of EFL broadcast rights, with 25% - as much as £750m - of the combined total (Premier League and EFL) being split between all EFL clubs.
He also wants to see parachute payments scrapped and the introduction of merit payments in the EFL, which he says would reduce the earnings gap between the bottom of the Premier League and top of the Championship by half.
New “cash break-even” rules are also being called for, as well as a fixed 60% wages-to-revenue ratio and owner investment to be counted as revenue. The latter, he says, would stop "an insanity" that has taken over owners pushing for the Premier League.
On the abolition of parachute payments, which totalled £228m in 2019-20, he said: “That might bring people to the table fairly quickly because relegation without parachute payments at the moment is curtains.
"A regulator could say, ‘We are not going to tell you what you should pay but we are saying you shouldn’t be paying this small group of clubs selectively’. It would be a catalyst [for discussion].”
He added: “Owner funding has to be cash rather than promises. Go in up front, bonded. Two or three years commitment … but you will never solve the issue of what happens when the owners stop.”
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Am on holiday so have not yet read in full. Delighted though.
Main issues :
1) the EPL and EFL have one last chance to sort revenue distribution out. If they don't, IREF will create something for them
2) timetable suggests a Parliamentary Bill in the 2022/23 Session. FSA work on regulatory powers could be key
3) Shadow regulator was something I was really keen on in the early summer but we weren't sure we could ask for it then. Obviously all that fan evidence counted for something
4) masses to do on capacity building nationally with Trusts. A lot rests on them now
Am on holiday so have not yet read in full. Delighted though.
Main issues :
1) the EPL and EFL have one last chance to sort revenue distribution out. If they don't, IREF will create something for them
2) timetable suggests a Parliamentary Bill in the 2022/23 Session. FSA work on regulatory powers could be key
3) Shadow regulator was something I was really keen on in the early summer but we weren't sure we could ask for it then. Obviously all that fan evidence counted for something
4) masses to do on capacity building nationally with Trusts. A lot rests on them now
Couldn't be more pleased.
How's Clackton at this time of year?
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
I see the EPL have appointed Christian Purslow as Minister of Disinformation to reply to the report. He was on White and Jordan getting a free pass this morning.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
I see the EPL have appointed Christian Purslow as Minister of Disinformation to reply to the report. He was on White and Jordan getting a free pass this morning.
A petition launched by @BlackpoolST was largely ignored outside the Fylde coast. It was looked at as a Blackpool problem only, which missed the point spectacularly. Pool fans had the foresight to recognise these changes were needed for the good of the game, not just their club.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
A petition launched by @BlackpoolST was largely ignored outside the Fylde coast. It was looked at as a Blackpool problem only, which missed the point spectacularly. Pool fans had the foresight to recognise these changes were needed for the good of the game, not just their club.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters open to 'principle' of independent regulator
Premier League chief Richard Masters has told the BBC the league "supports the principle of an independent regulator", but warned "we need to be careful of unintended consequences".
The government have backed a proposed new body to oversee the English game.
"It's a key part of the recommendation, government-backed, and to push back would be wrong," said Masters in his first public comments on the plan.
The Premier League had previously objected to an independent regulator.
But significantly, it has now shifted position.
"We are open to an independent regulator and we want to discuss details with government going forward," Masters told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
"We have to be careful not to damage the Premier League and English football. We agree with the thrust, but there are some pretty radical proposals there that need to be thought about."
He added: "What we need to be careful of is unintended consequences.
"It is a seismic change in the way football is going to be governed but we need to make sure we preserve some of the good things, the great successes and strengths of English football, which are driven off external investment and the ability of clubs to compete on the pitch.
"These reforms need to preserve all of that."
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, the chair of a fan-led review into English football, said the game needs an independent regulator to stop it "lurching from crisis to crisis".
The report made 47 recommendations, including clubs having a 'shadow board' of fans so they are properly consulted on key decisions and that supporters hold a 'golden share' to protect their clubs' heritage and which competitions they play in.
"There is lots in the review and the devil is in the detail," said Masters. "Giving fans a greater voice, allowing them to have a bigger say in some of those important heritage issues that Tracey has identified as important, and we shouldn't resist all of that.
"In fact, some of our clubs have already adopted what I would describe as shadow boards.
"Last week Norwich brought forward to change their crest, they did so in huge consultation with their supporter base. So, I think those sorts of things can work as long as they are carefully described in the final policies."
However, Masters said Crouch's controversial recommendation of a Premier League transfer levy to raise more funds for the rest of the game was "too radical".
"There is already a levy of 4% on domestic transfers, 5% for international, for player welfare and youth development across the pyramid. 10% on top of that is too radical," Masters added.
"Will it have an impact on the Premier League and Championship's ability to secure the best talent and put on the best show to keep the virtuous circle going?"
Masters also said the Football League's request for 25% of all pooled broadcast revenue, an uplift of some £400m, would be "a disaster".
"Value has to be retained where it is generated otherwise that value can't be generated," he added.
"Premier League clubs have to be able to attract the best players, talent and managers and create that incredible competitiveness."
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters open to 'principle' of independent regulator
Premier League chief Richard Masters has told the BBC the league "supports the principle of an independent regulator", but warned "we need to be careful of unintended consequences".
The government have backed a proposed new body to oversee the English game.
"It's a key part of the recommendation, government-backed, and to push back would be wrong," said Masters in his first public comments on the plan.
The Premier League had previously objected to an independent regulator.
But significantly, it has now shifted position.
"We are open to an independent regulator and we want to discuss details with government going forward," Masters told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
"We have to be careful not to damage the Premier League and English football. We agree with the thrust, but there are some pretty radical proposals there that need to be thought about."
He added: "What we need to be careful of is unintended consequences.
"It is a seismic change in the way football is going to be governed but we need to make sure we preserve some of the good things, the great successes and strengths of English football, which are driven off external investment and the ability of clubs to compete on the pitch.
"These reforms need to preserve all of that."
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, the chair of a fan-led review into English football, said the game needs an independent regulator to stop it "lurching from crisis to crisis".
The report made 47 recommendations, including clubs having a 'shadow board' of fans so they are properly consulted on key decisions and that supporters hold a 'golden share' to protect their clubs' heritage and which competitions they play in.
"There is lots in the review and the devil is in the detail," said Masters. "Giving fans a greater voice, allowing them to have a bigger say in some of those important heritage issues that Tracey has identified as important, and we shouldn't resist all of that.
"In fact, some of our clubs have already adopted what I would describe as shadow boards.
"Last week Norwich brought forward to change their crest, they did so in huge consultation with their supporter base. So, I think those sorts of things can work as long as they are carefully described in the final policies."
However, Masters said Crouch's controversial recommendation of a Premier League transfer levy to raise more funds for the rest of the game was "too radical".
"There is already a levy of 4% on domestic transfers, 5% for international, for player welfare and youth development across the pyramid. 10% on top of that is too radical," Masters added.
"Will it have an impact on the Premier League and Championship's ability to secure the best talent and put on the best show to keep the virtuous circle going?"
Masters also said the Football League's request for 25% of all pooled broadcast revenue, an uplift of some £400m, would be "a disaster".
"Value has to be retained where it is generated otherwise that value can't be generated," he added.
"Premier League clubs have to be able to attract the best players, talent and managers and create that incredible competitiveness."
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Leeds: Chief executive Angus Kinnear says some review calls 'Maoist'
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear has compared calls for an independent regulator in English football and a transfer levy on Premier League clubs to Maoism and the Great Chinese Famine.
They were two of 47 recommendations made by a fan-led review of football governance revealed last week.
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, who led the review, said Kinnear's comparison was a "tad extreme", while the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) said it was a "dreadful take" on the issue.
Kinnear said he supported many of the review's recommendations but took exception to two key issues, which he said were "as flawed as they are radical".
"Enforcing upon football a philosophy akin to Maoist collective agriculturalism - which students of 'The Great Leap Forward' will know culminated in the greatest famine in history - will not make the English game fairer, it will kill the competition which is its very lifeblood," he said.
The Great Leap Forward was a campaign led by Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1962 that led to the largest famine in human history and the deaths of millions of people.
Kinnear added: "Redistribution of wealth will simply favour the lowest common denominator. Clubs who excel in recruitment, player development or commercial enterprise will be punished, while less capable ownership will be rewarded for incompetence."
In response, Crouch told BBC Sport: "My report merely wishes to see more money going to grassroots, ensure that football clubs don't go bust, put diversity on the agenda and give fans a say on key issues. Maoism killed millions and millions of people."
The FSA tweeted: "Been a lot of dross from Premier League club executives over the last couple of days trying their best to undermine the fan-led review but Kinnear has somehow lowered the bar even further."
Key among the recommendations from the fan-led review is a move to establish an independent regulator for the English game, a move the government has already "endorsed in principle".
Kinnear said it is hard to see the "value" a regulator would have.
In his programme notes for Leeds' Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace on Tuesday, Kinnear said some of the 47 recommendations - such as increased supporter consultation, renewed focus for the women's game and improving equality and diversity - will receive "almost unequivocal support".
But he added: "These proposals have been conflated to address the very separate issues of the demise of Bury, the threat of the European Super League and the takeover of Newcastle United.
"It is hard to see the value an independent regulator would have added to the perceived issues.
"On the recommendations around financial redistribution, it seems to have been conveniently forgotten that the Premier League distributed £1.5bn to the wider football pyramid in the last three years, with a further commitment for another £1.6bn in the next three.
"I don't believe there is any industry where its biggest entities donate at anywhere near that level to both their aspiring competitors and their community.
"There is already a 4% levy on transfer fees which is distributed between a player pension fund and academy investment. Football is a private sector business and has flourished that way."
Under the proposals put forward by the fan-led review, the new independent regulator (IREF) would oversee financial regulation in football and establish new owners' and directors' tests.
The 47 recommendations can be condensed into 10 major points, which also touch on the women's game, financial distribution through the pyramid and fan consultation on key off-field decisions at clubs.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has been an advocate for the creation of an independent regulator and said the fan-led review was "an opportunity for the game to come together and unify instead of acting in self-interest and greed".
Last week Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told BBC Sport the organisation is "open" to a regulator but added that there were some "pretty radical proposals there that need to be thought about".
Kinnear is the third senior figure from a Premier League club to criticise the review.
His view has been echoed by the likes of Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, who said some suggestions could create "a grave danger of huge unintended consequences that could make the game worse in the long run".
Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow stressed a need to be "very careful as we contemplate reform that it does not ultimately damage the game".
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Leeds: Chief executive Angus Kinnear says some review calls 'Maoist'
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear has compared calls for an independent regulator in English football and a transfer levy on Premier League clubs to Maoism and the Great Chinese Famine.
They were two of 47 recommendations made by a fan-led review of football governance revealed last week.
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, who led the review, said Kinnear's comparison was a "tad extreme", while the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) said it was a "dreadful take" on the issue.
Kinnear said he supported many of the review's recommendations but took exception to two key issues, which he said were "as flawed as they are radical".
"Enforcing upon football a philosophy akin to Maoist collective agriculturalism - which students of 'The Great Leap Forward' will know culminated in the greatest famine in history - will not make the English game fairer, it will kill the competition which is its very lifeblood," he said.
The Great Leap Forward was a campaign led by Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1962 that led to the largest famine in human history and the deaths of millions of people.
Kinnear added: "Redistribution of wealth will simply favour the lowest common denominator. Clubs who excel in recruitment, player development or commercial enterprise will be punished, while less capable ownership will be rewarded for incompetence."
In response, Crouch told BBC Sport: "My report merely wishes to see more money going to grassroots, ensure that football clubs don't go bust, put diversity on the agenda and give fans a say on key issues. Maoism killed millions and millions of people."
The FSA tweeted: "Been a lot of dross from Premier League club executives over the last couple of days trying their best to undermine the fan-led review but Kinnear has somehow lowered the bar even further."
Key among the recommendations from the fan-led review is a move to establish an independent regulator for the English game, a move the government has already "endorsed in principle".
Kinnear said it is hard to see the "value" a regulator would have.
In his programme notes for Leeds' Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace on Tuesday, Kinnear said some of the 47 recommendations - such as increased supporter consultation, renewed focus for the women's game and improving equality and diversity - will receive "almost unequivocal support".
But he added: "These proposals have been conflated to address the very separate issues of the demise of Bury, the threat of the European Super League and the takeover of Newcastle United.
"It is hard to see the value an independent regulator would have added to the perceived issues.
"On the recommendations around financial redistribution, it seems to have been conveniently forgotten that the Premier League distributed £1.5bn to the wider football pyramid in the last three years, with a further commitment for another £1.6bn in the next three.
"I don't believe there is any industry where its biggest entities donate at anywhere near that level to both their aspiring competitors and their community.
"There is already a 4% levy on transfer fees which is distributed between a player pension fund and academy investment. Football is a private sector business and has flourished that way."
Under the proposals put forward by the fan-led review, the new independent regulator (IREF) would oversee financial regulation in football and establish new owners' and directors' tests.
The 47 recommendations can be condensed into 10 major points, which also touch on the women's game, financial distribution through the pyramid and fan consultation on key off-field decisions at clubs.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has been an advocate for the creation of an independent regulator and said the fan-led review was "an opportunity for the game to come together and unify instead of acting in self-interest and greed".
Last week Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told BBC Sport the organisation is "open" to a regulator but added that there were some "pretty radical proposals there that need to be thought about".
Kinnear is the third senior figure from a Premier League club to criticise the review.
His view has been echoed by the likes of Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, who said some suggestions could create "a grave danger of huge unintended consequences that could make the game worse in the long run".
Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow stressed a need to be "very careful as we contemplate reform that it does not ultimately damage the game".
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
🎥 "There's a lot in the press about a regulatory board being introduced to govern football. That'd be a good idea to stop what happened to us, or could've happened to us"
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
🎥 "There's a lot in the press about a regulatory board being introduced to govern football. That'd be a good idea to stop what happened to us, or could've happened to us"
Government to introduce independent football regulator in England after backing fan-led review
The government says it will establish an independent regulator in football after endorsing recommendations made in the fan-led review into the men's game.
The regulator will have power to sanction clubs in English football who break financial and other rules.
The Premier League said it "recognises and accepts the case for reform" but that a regulator "is not necessary".
A new owners' test will be introduced and legislation will give fans more say in the running of the game.
It comes after the review made 10 recommendations to government on how to improve football governance last year.
The review was chaired by former sports minister Tracey Crouch following a number of high-profile crises in the sport, such as the failed European Super League and the collapse of Bury FC.
Crouch called the government's endorsement of the review "an enormous step forward" but also said that the unclear timeframe for making the changes was "worrying".
No direct timeline for implementing the changes has been announced but the government said a white paper - policy documents which set out proposals for future laws in detail - will be published in the summer.
The new regulator will be backed by laws which allow it to hand out punishments and have financial oversight of clubs, meaning it can investigate and gather information.
It will also apply the new "enhanced" owners' and directors' test which will replace the current tests carried out by the Premier League, Football League and Football Association.
This follows Roman Abramovich's ongoing sale of Chelsea amid government sanctions and a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of Newcastle United in October 2021 among others. Both ownerships were criticised by Amnesty International UK.
The new test will be implemented before acquisition but also on an ongoing basis.
It will include a new 'integrity test' for owners and executives and stronger investigations before a purchase, including sources of funding.
"I am exceptionally pleased [the government] has accepted or supported all the strategic recommendations of the review, including committing to legislation for a statutory independent regulator which will regulate financial resilience as well as ownership of clubs," Crouch said in a statement to PA news agency.
"This is an enormous step forward in providing much-needed reform for football."
Crouch said she believed fans would welcome the reforms, but "remain nervous that this commitment will be delayed or watered down by the vested and conflicted interests in the game which have resisted the much-needed reform for so long".
"Further delays could be catastrophic for clubs, communities and fans seeking a more secure and certain regulatory environment," she added.
Last month, Helen MacNamara, chief policy and corporate affairs officer at the Premier League, told a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee that the league "definitely" does not want a statutory independent regulator.
The government says its white paper will set out plans for "a greater role for fans in the day-to-day running of clubs" and make sure fans have a "bigger say on changes to their club stadia, logo, name and kit via a 'golden share', in order to protect clubs and the central role they play as vital community assets".
The white paper will also aim to improve equality and diversity in club boardrooms.
BBC Sport understands that football's major bodies will be looking for more detail about the proposals.
The Premier League is understood to be wary of anyone with a stated desire to reform football but with no working knowledge within the sport.
Its view remains that using two pre-eminent football lawyers together with a 'football expert', who has experience in the administration of the game, offers the best way to deal with contentious cases.
A league statement read: "The Premier League recognises and accepts the case for reform and for a strengthened regulatory system across football. We welcome the clarity from the Government about their position, and are committed to working with them during this next phase of consultation, although we will continue to maintain that it is not necessary for there to be a statutory-backed regulator."
England's top-flight said it will be introducing its own plans for the start of next season to make sure fans are listened to, while it has also been working to "design and implement policies" in response to the review's objectives, including reviewing its owner's and director's test.
Crouch's review recommended looking at financial distribution, including "more support from the Premier League to the pyramid through a solidarity transfer levy, paid by Premier League clubs on buying players from overseas or other top-flight clubs".
But the government said it believed "that this should be solved by the football authorities in the first instance".
"It is noticeable and disappointing that there has been no progress on discussions between the football authorities on the redistribution of finances and I share the view of government that this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency," Crouch added.
What has been the reaction to the move?
Campaign group Fair Game backed the government's announcement but said "what we need now is a firm timetable for change".
"There can be no more delay or dithering," Fair Game added, going on to say that it was "disappointing that at first glance there is no mention of a new international transfer tax".
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "Football is nothing without its fans and for too long the football authorities have collectively been unable to tackle some of the biggest issues in the game.
"The government took decisive action to conduct the fan-led review and today we have endorsed every one of its 10 strategic recommendations and the approach set out by Tracey Crouch."
However, Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell said delaying the introduction of any legislation until 2024 was "a real disappointment".
"Football clubs are at the heart of communities. We need to urgently bring in new laws to stop any more clubs going bust or being used as a plaything for the wealthy," Powell said.
Julian Knight MP, who chairs the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said the government had "parked the bus" by not establishing a firm timescale on creating a regulator.
"The commitment to introduce an independent regulator is a welcome step, but the Government must now get on with setting it up for the sake of the health of our national game," Knight said.
"Developments such as the proposal of the preposterous European Super League and the struggles for survival faced by clubs in our communities, have exposed football governance in this country for the joke that it is."
Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein, who alongside former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was lobbying for independent regulation of English football, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I believe that if this is handled properly by the right people, it could make a real difference.
"This proposal is bringing greater independence into the game and ensuring that the very strong vested interests that have controlled the game for so long will be balanced."
Neville tweeted: "If we take this at face value it's what the game desperately needs. However why the delay? It's needed now."
The Professional Footballers' Association said it welcomed the recommendations made regarding player welfare, particularly for those whose careers are coming to an end.
"Support needs to be consistently and adequately funded, and we look forward to playing a major part in establishing a system that achieves this," a statement read.
"For the PFA, it is also critical that those who play the game - at all levels - remain at the centre of conversations about its future."
Analysis - 'A significant moment in the sport's history' Dan Roan, BBC Sport editor
Last month the Premier League told MPs that it was steadfastly opposed to a statutory independent football regulator, so this will be seen as a major defeat for the country's top clubs, and a significant moment in the sport's history.
Despite the turmoil sparked by the attempted European Super League, controversy over the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United, and financial meltdown at Derby County, the Premier League had still hoped to persuade ministers to let the FA act as regulator.
But the chaos at Chelsea after the sanctioning of Russian owner Roman Abramovich was perhaps seen as one footballing crisis too many, and the government may have felt it had no choice but to back the key recommendation of Crouch in her 'fan-led review'. That - along with the commitment to greater supporter engagement - will please many who have been calling for radical reform.
What is not yet clear is whether the beefed-up owners and directors test the regulator will oversee would have prevented any of the club takeovers or financial issues that have blighted the game in recent years, and when exactly it will be brought into law and fully established.
Not everything Crouch called for has been supported. She also recommended that the Premier League clubs pay a "solidarity transfer levy" to further support the football pyramid and redistribute wealth. But for now at least, the government has left this to the football authorities.
That will no doubt be a relief to the Premier League and disappoint clubs in the Football League, who may feel this is a missed opportunity to balance out football's financial landscape.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Government to introduce independent football regulator in England after backing fan-led review
The government says it will establish an independent regulator in football after endorsing recommendations made in the fan-led review into the men's game.
The regulator will have power to sanction clubs in English football who break financial and other rules.
The Premier League said it "recognises and accepts the case for reform" but that a regulator "is not necessary".
A new owners' test will be introduced and legislation will give fans more say in the running of the game.
It comes after the review made 10 recommendations to government on how to improve football governance last year.
The review was chaired by former sports minister Tracey Crouch following a number of high-profile crises in the sport, such as the failed European Super League and the collapse of Bury FC.
Crouch called the government's endorsement of the review "an enormous step forward" but also said that the unclear timeframe for making the changes was "worrying".
No direct timeline for implementing the changes has been announced but the government said a white paper - policy documents which set out proposals for future laws in detail - will be published in the summer.
The new regulator will be backed by laws which allow it to hand out punishments and have financial oversight of clubs, meaning it can investigate and gather information.
It will also apply the new "enhanced" owners' and directors' test which will replace the current tests carried out by the Premier League, Football League and Football Association.
This follows Roman Abramovich's ongoing sale of Chelsea amid government sanctions and a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of Newcastle United in October 2021 among others. Both ownerships were criticised by Amnesty International UK.
The new test will be implemented before acquisition but also on an ongoing basis.
It will include a new 'integrity test' for owners and executives and stronger investigations before a purchase, including sources of funding.
"I am exceptionally pleased [the government] has accepted or supported all the strategic recommendations of the review, including committing to legislation for a statutory independent regulator which will regulate financial resilience as well as ownership of clubs," Crouch said in a statement to PA news agency.
"This is an enormous step forward in providing much-needed reform for football."
Crouch said she believed fans would welcome the reforms, but "remain nervous that this commitment will be delayed or watered down by the vested and conflicted interests in the game which have resisted the much-needed reform for so long".
"Further delays could be catastrophic for clubs, communities and fans seeking a more secure and certain regulatory environment," she added.
Last month, Helen MacNamara, chief policy and corporate affairs officer at the Premier League, told a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee that the league "definitely" does not want a statutory independent regulator.
The government says its white paper will set out plans for "a greater role for fans in the day-to-day running of clubs" and make sure fans have a "bigger say on changes to their club stadia, logo, name and kit via a 'golden share', in order to protect clubs and the central role they play as vital community assets".
The white paper will also aim to improve equality and diversity in club boardrooms.
BBC Sport understands that football's major bodies will be looking for more detail about the proposals.
The Premier League is understood to be wary of anyone with a stated desire to reform football but with no working knowledge within the sport.
Its view remains that using two pre-eminent football lawyers together with a 'football expert', who has experience in the administration of the game, offers the best way to deal with contentious cases.
A league statement read: "The Premier League recognises and accepts the case for reform and for a strengthened regulatory system across football. We welcome the clarity from the Government about their position, and are committed to working with them during this next phase of consultation, although we will continue to maintain that it is not necessary for there to be a statutory-backed regulator."
England's top-flight said it will be introducing its own plans for the start of next season to make sure fans are listened to, while it has also been working to "design and implement policies" in response to the review's objectives, including reviewing its owner's and director's test.
Crouch's review recommended looking at financial distribution, including "more support from the Premier League to the pyramid through a solidarity transfer levy, paid by Premier League clubs on buying players from overseas or other top-flight clubs".
But the government said it believed "that this should be solved by the football authorities in the first instance".
"It is noticeable and disappointing that there has been no progress on discussions between the football authorities on the redistribution of finances and I share the view of government that this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency," Crouch added.
What has been the reaction to the move?
Campaign group Fair Game backed the government's announcement but said "what we need now is a firm timetable for change".
"There can be no more delay or dithering," Fair Game added, going on to say that it was "disappointing that at first glance there is no mention of a new international transfer tax".
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "Football is nothing without its fans and for too long the football authorities have collectively been unable to tackle some of the biggest issues in the game.
"The government took decisive action to conduct the fan-led review and today we have endorsed every one of its 10 strategic recommendations and the approach set out by Tracey Crouch."
However, Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell said delaying the introduction of any legislation until 2024 was "a real disappointment".
"Football clubs are at the heart of communities. We need to urgently bring in new laws to stop any more clubs going bust or being used as a plaything for the wealthy," Powell said.
Julian Knight MP, who chairs the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said the government had "parked the bus" by not establishing a firm timescale on creating a regulator.
"The commitment to introduce an independent regulator is a welcome step, but the Government must now get on with setting it up for the sake of the health of our national game," Knight said.
"Developments such as the proposal of the preposterous European Super League and the struggles for survival faced by clubs in our communities, have exposed football governance in this country for the joke that it is."
Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein, who alongside former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was lobbying for independent regulation of English football, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I believe that if this is handled properly by the right people, it could make a real difference.
"This proposal is bringing greater independence into the game and ensuring that the very strong vested interests that have controlled the game for so long will be balanced."
Neville tweeted: "If we take this at face value it's what the game desperately needs. However why the delay? It's needed now."
The Professional Footballers' Association said it welcomed the recommendations made regarding player welfare, particularly for those whose careers are coming to an end.
"Support needs to be consistently and adequately funded, and we look forward to playing a major part in establishing a system that achieves this," a statement read.
"For the PFA, it is also critical that those who play the game - at all levels - remain at the centre of conversations about its future."
Analysis - 'A significant moment in the sport's history' Dan Roan, BBC Sport editor
Last month the Premier League told MPs that it was steadfastly opposed to a statutory independent football regulator, so this will be seen as a major defeat for the country's top clubs, and a significant moment in the sport's history.
Despite the turmoil sparked by the attempted European Super League, controversy over the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United, and financial meltdown at Derby County, the Premier League had still hoped to persuade ministers to let the FA act as regulator.
But the chaos at Chelsea after the sanctioning of Russian owner Roman Abramovich was perhaps seen as one footballing crisis too many, and the government may have felt it had no choice but to back the key recommendation of Crouch in her 'fan-led review'. That - along with the commitment to greater supporter engagement - will please many who have been calling for radical reform.
What is not yet clear is whether the beefed-up owners and directors test the regulator will oversee would have prevented any of the club takeovers or financial issues that have blighted the game in recent years, and when exactly it will be brought into law and fully established.
Not everything Crouch called for has been supported. She also recommended that the Premier League clubs pay a "solidarity transfer levy" to further support the football pyramid and redistribute wealth. But for now at least, the government has left this to the football authorities.
That will no doubt be a relief to the Premier League and disappoint clubs in the Football League, who may feel this is a missed opportunity to balance out football's financial landscape.
Given Blackpool fans were campaigning for independent regulation as far back as 2018, this is certainly welcome news. Better late than never, after all.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
Given Blackpool fans were campaigning for independent regulation as far back as 2018, this is certainly welcome news. Better late than never, after all.
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
‘Where there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despair’
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