THBN discusses the Football Governance Bill

Well, well, well, the Football Governance Bill.

Football has shot itself in the foot, well the clueless fans have shot themselves in the foot.

I talk about the French licensing system and suggest it should be adopted throughout Europe, I bring it up again recently and lo and behold, what have the Government come out with, the Independent Regulator will introduce a football club licence system for the top 5 leagues.

Brilliant, keep your finances under control or you don't get a licence to play.

Great, but THBN's Clive advocates for self-sustainability in football.

Football Governance Bill

The government is proposing a Football Governance Bill to address perceived issues within the football industry, such as financial instability and inappropriate ownership and directors of clubs.

Key Takeaways

Creation of an Independent Regulator

The proposed bill includes the establishment of an independent regulator to oversee football governance. 

This regulator aims to ensure clubs' financial sustainability, fair distribution of funds, and greater fan involvement in decision-making processes.

Concerns and Opposition

While some supporters and lower league clubs welcome the idea of an independent regulator, Premier League clubs are generally opposed. 

They argue that the Premier League is already successful and doesn't need external intervention. 

Additionally, there are concerns about the financial burden of funding the regulator and the effectiveness of fines for rule violations.

In what areas of society does an Independent Regulator (who isn't Independent but is a political appointment) actually work?

Financial Implications

The regulator's operational costs, estimated to be in the tens of millions of pounds, will be funded by football itself, with the majority of funding likely coming from Premier League clubs. 

This aspect has led to discontent among Premier League clubs, who question the need for government involvement and financial contribution.

Dress it how you like, it is still basically the Top 6 paying for the unwanted governance and they don't get a say in how much that is to cost.

Positive Reactions from Supporters

Despite opposition from some clubs, there is a generally positive reaction from supporters (who basically don't understand what it is they are supporting), particularly from EFL clubs. 

Many supporters see the need for reform in how money is distributed within English football and they hope the regulator will address these issues.

In other words, dish out more charity to clubs that can't be bothered to build their own business.

Overall, while there are concerns and opposition from certain stakeholders, the proposed Football Governance Bill and the creation of an independent regulator aim to address longstanding issues within English football governance and promote greater stability and fairness across all levels of the sport.

Well that hasn't happened when it comes to your energy bills has it!

THBN Opinion

I am utterly opposed to an Independent Regulator, utterly opposed to fans having a say in the running of someone else's business and completely understand that the Top 6 clubs bring in all the TV and broadcasting revenue into the game, but are having to effectively dish out charity to the rest.

Now the rest feel it is their divine right to have more charity, a Socialist principle that doesn't work, as the collapse of the USSR demonstrated.

I feel, it should be the Premier League introducing a licencing system and far more stringent assessments on who should own football clubs and why.

There should be no state-owned or state-backed football clubs and neither should Sugar Daddies ever be allowed back into the game.

Clubs should be run as businesses and stand on their own two feet.

Regards Clive from #1 Spurs blog THBN

COYS