The EFL has issued the following statement relating to the Football Governance Bill.
EFL Chair Rick Parry said: “The EFL welcomes the new Football Governance Bill, and thanks the
Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy MP for the genuine commitment and
openness she has displayed towards the EFL and its Clubs on this matter
since coming into Government. We also appreciate the time which she and
her team have taken to consider and understand many of our concerns
with the previous iteration of the Bill.
“It has been our
long-held view that there is a requirement for Independent Regulation,
and we believe the Bill has been framed in a way that will enable the
new Regulator to protect and achieve the sustainability of Clubs across
the entire football pyramid.
“It is also pleasing that the State
of the Game report, which will provide the objective and independent
basis for the new Regulator’s work, will be delivered within 18 months.
We look forward, in collaboration with our Clubs, to making a
significant contribution to this important piece of work.
“Alongside
the issue of financial reform, the EFL also recognises the key and
leading role it has to play across other areas the Bill addresses,
including the role of fan consultation, heritage protection and the
commitments made to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
“As the
Bill now begins its passage through Parliament, we will first take time
to scrutinise its full detail and implications for Clubs across the
pyramid, including the key issue around the Regulator’s backstop powers
in respect of financial redistribution, while at the same time
continuing to offer our support and insight to MPs and Peers.
“The
EFL’s core purpose is to safeguard the sustainability of our Clubs for
future generations of supporters, and the social value they deliver in
the communities they serve. We know how much our Clubs matter, but too
many face or have faced financial trauma due to their over-reliance on
owner funding and overstretching in their attempts to bridge growing
financial gaps.
“We have always been clear throughout this
process that our intention is not to harm or hinder the strength of the
Premier League, and the value which it generates for the wider pyramid,
including the EFL and our competitions. Rather, this is about creating a
framework for a sustainable and competitive pyramid which fosters
sporting jeopardy without financial catastrophe, underpinned by better
regulation and fairer redistribution.”