'Historic' football regulator bill becomes law - what it means for fans
What powers will the independent football regulator have?
Tough new financial regulation to make sure clubs have a long-term sustainable futureStronger tests to stop rogue owners New standards for fan engagement in club decision-makingBan on clubs joining closed-shop competitions and breakaway leagues'Backstop powers' to ensure a fair financial distribution between leaguesProtections for key club heritage aspects like home shirt colours and club badges and stadium moves
'Watershed moment' for English football
Nandy highlighted some of the future changes supporters will see, now the bill has been passed into law. "For fans like Sheffield Wednesday, who I spoke to at the start of this journey, it will mean you can't have the colours changed without fans being in the room and part of the decision-making process," she said. "For Wimbledon supporters it will mean your stadium can't be relocated without you having a say. It will put fans back in the rooms where decisions are made, it will mean all clubs have to reach the standard of the best clubs." English Football League (EFL) chairman Rick Parry said the bill is a "watershed moment in the history of English football" and would mean clubs could "rise and fall through the pyramid without the threat of financial catastrophe". The IFR could also help the EFL and Premier League reach an agreement on a new funding deal, which Parry says is currently "destabilising, ever widening, and deeply unfair" . Kieran Maguire, Associate Professor in Football Finance at University of Liverpool, said the legislation will protect clubs from "exploitation", and the IFR is a necessary safeguard to ensure clubs "are not treated solely as assets". Miles said the FSA will work with the IFR to ensure fans' voices remain "at the forefront of the debate".He added: "We are very proud that the FSA was at the heart of change, helping to bring in laws which can help protect the clubs we love from the worst excesses of owners throughout the professional game."
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