Biggest shake up to football ownership in years is SHELVED by Tories as PM has just 1 week to get key bills through
FOOTBALL fans have been dealt a huge blow as the sweeping crackdown on dodgy owners won’t see the light of day before the general election.
The Football Governance Bill, which would have set up an independent regulator for the sport, has been ditched as there is not enough time to push it through the House of Lords before Parliament dissolves.
Other bills that are further down the line will be prioritised in the “wash-up” period – where only certain legislation speeds through before the nation hits the polls on July 4.
But given the Bill had cross-party support, it expected it will resume its progress in the next parliament.
Tory former sports minister Dame Tracey Crouch, who oversaw the fan-led review that established the bill, wrote on X: “Unfortunately the Football Governance Bill will progress no further and although there is a ready made Bill for the next Government, I won’t be here to see it pass.
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to EVERYONE who helped shape this Bill. A lot of people have poured their heart and soul into the Bill – officials, politicians, authorities, clubs and of course fans. I am 100% convinced there will be an Independent Regulator for football, thanks to the efforts of others and the desire for sustainability.”
Dame Tracey also urged the Premier League and the EFL to agree a financial settlement as soon as possible.
It comes after the top-flight clubs have so far refused to agree to a deal worth an extra £125 million a year.
The Premier League is against the regulator as it fears it could have too much influence and interference.
She said: “My final plea is to the Premier League and EFL…please, for the sake of football, sit back down and start negotiating a deal. The impasse is infuriating. I know it is complex.
“But please, agree a deal. The End.”
Ministers introduced the Football Governance Bill back in March, which would have given powers to a body, independent of government and football authorities, to oversee clubs in England‘s top five men’s tiers.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the introduction of the Bill was a “historic moment for football fans”.
He added: “Football has long been one of our greatest sources of national pride.
“But for too long some clubs have been abused by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse.”
The proposed law followed Dame Tracey’s fan-led review, which said a regulator was necessary for the long-term financial stability of the men’s professional game after controversies including financial mismanagement and plans for a breakaway European Super League.
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt updated MPs this morning about which bills will be in “wash-up”.
They included legislation to press ahead with compensation for victims of the Infected Blood Scandal, as well as the Finance Bill.
The PM’s ban on smoking for future generations joins the Football Governance Bill among the casualties.
THE so-called “wash-up” period refers to the final days of a Parliament before dissolution, which is due to take place on Friday May 30.
Because there is not enough time to complete parliamentary consideration in the usual way, the Government has to rely on the cooperation of the Opposition to pass important legislation during this time.
The Government and opposition negotiate to decide which bills, or specific parts of bills, should be expedited through their remaining stages to become law before the parliament dissolves.
This often involves strategic decisions where the government may agree to abandon certain bills or clauses in exchange for the Opposition’s support to fast-track others.
The wash-up period can also include time set aside for the consideration of private member’s bills, which are usually proposed by members of parliament who are not part of the government cabinet.