New legislation to establish an independent football regulator in England could bring reform and accountability to clubs and owners, says Tim Williamson from leading national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP.

Tim is a leading regulatory lawyer who has a particular expertise in sport. He says the ‘strengthened’ Football Governance Bill which has begun its progress through parliament, could help reduce relegation ‘parachute payments’, empower fans and keep clubs at the heart of their communities.

“The bill lets the regulator assess how so-called parachute payments impact the overall health of the game as part of its mandatory review every five years,” says Tim Williamson.

“If they find these payments are shaking up financial stability, the regulator has the authority to step in and address them through its backstop powers.”

With enhanced powers, the regulator will hold clubs accountable on issues such as financial distribution across leagues, fan engagement in ticket pricing and stadium relocation decisions, and measures to foster equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within clubs.

Tim Williamson says the bill represents a landmark step in recalibrating the balance of power within English football.

“By establishing an independent regulator, the legislation will bring accountability to clubs and owners in a way that fans, who are often the lifeblood of these institutions, have long called for.

“Legally, the bill raises the bar on governance requirements, ensuring a higher level of financial scrutiny and fan participation that could help stabilise the sector over the long term.”

The Football Governance Bill, reintroduced in the House of Lords on 24th October, was originally tabled in March but delayed by the general election, the revised bill expands the regulator’s remit to protect clubs and promote fan interests.

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton.