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The Premier League support the need for reforms in English football but claim 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.
The UK Government announced support for plans to introduce an independent regulator to the English game, which the Premier League have opposed in a statement released in response.
However, league chiefs accept the need for reforms and plan to announce several changes ahead of the 2022-23 season to ensure fans’ voices carry greater weight in footballing governance.
The statement said: “The Premier League recognise and accept the case for reform and for a strengthened regulatory system across football.
“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 £1.6billion outside of the Premier League over the next three seasons.”
