EFL Statement: Football Governance Bill

“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.”