EPL

Premier League supports fan-led review, but argues independent regulator 'not necessary'

By Sports Desk April 25, 2022

The Premier League claims it "recognises and accepts" the need for reforms in English football, but says the appointment of an independent regulator is "not necessary" after the UK Government backed such plans.

A fan-led review into English football was launched in response to the failed establishment of the European Super League last year - in which six Premier League clubs were involved – and after a number of mismanaged lower league clubs were forced out of business in recent years.

The UK Government announced its support for plans to introduce an independent regulator to the English game on Tuesday, which the Premier League has continued to oppose in a statement released in response.

However, the league says it accepts the need for reforms and promised to announce several changes ahead of the 2022-23 season, to ensure fans' voices carry greater weight in footballing governance.

"The Premier League recognises and accepts the case for reform and for a strengthened regulatory system across football," the statement began. 

"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.

"Since the publication of the Fan-Led Review, the Premier League and our clubs have been working at pace to understand the full impact of the Review's recommendations and design and implement policies in response to its objectives, including through reviewing our Owners' and Directors' Test.

"We agree that fans are of vital importance to the game and their voices should be better listened to across the League. We will be introducing a number of measures to improve this area and plan to make a detailed announcement before the start of the 2022-23 season.

"We are reassured that the Government acknowledges the success of the Premier League and the importance of delivering change that also protects the League's position as one of this country’s most successful global exports. 

"It is this that creates the extraordinary football we see every week in grounds around the country and has enabled our ongoing commitment to support football at all levels by reinvesting an unprecedented £1.6 billion outside of the Premier League over the next three seasons."

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