owner of West Ham David Sullivan While the government published its white paper on the governance of football, it criticized its plans to introduce an independent regulator.
The whitepaper will act on several recommendations from the MP. Tracey CrouchA fan-led review of the governance of sport that began after the failed launch of the European Super League in 2021.
However, the plans, which would see the introduction of an independent regulator as well as other major changes to oversee the finances and power of fans in football, were heavily criticized by owner Sullivan. Premier League Club West Ham.
“A football regulator is a terrible idea. The government sucks at running everything. Look at the state this country has come to.
“We pay the highest taxes ever for the worst service from the worst government I’ve ever seen in my life. The organizer will have a huge squad that football will have to pay for. It will be a complete waste of money.”
“Why does an incompetent government think it will improve things? This government has added staff for worse service in every field it is involved in.
“The government is doing this to gain PR. They think it would be good public relations to be seen supporting casual football fans and smaller clubs.”
The Premier League also issued a statement suggesting that any government change should be careful not to damage the league’s reputation.
The statement said: “The Premier League recognizes the need for change in football governance and continues to implement stronger and more independent regulations. We are strengthening our ownership rules and providing £1.6 billion in financial support to broader play over the current three-year cycle.
“We appreciate the government’s commitment to preserving the continued success of the Premier League. It is vital that regulation does not undermine the game fans love to watch in the world’s deepest professional pyramid, or its ability to attract investment and increase interest in our game.
“We will now work constructively with stakeholders to ensure that the proposed government regulator does not lead to any unintended consequences that could affect the Premier League’s position as the world’s most watched football league, reduce competitiveness or increase unrivaled funding levels.
Mark Palios, co-owner of League Two side Tranmere, also expressed concern over the regulation of funds given to lower league clubs.
He said: “The main issue that is left on the table and in the hands of the great powers is the question of funds flowing from the pyramid to the lower leagues. If you move more money down the pyramid without financial controls, you are pouring gasoline on the fire.”
Other reactions to the white paper have been more positive, with key figures outlining the need for intervention to ensure the long-term safety of the football pyramid.
The EFL, which represents the three leagues below the Premier League, issued a definitive statement backing the plans and hailed it as “a turning point for the future of our game”.
The statement went further: “The EFL has been clear that the English game needs a fundamental financial reset to make the game sustainable so that all clubs can continue to serve their fans and communities long into the future.
“We are now waiting to review the full White Paper and will fully assess our position. The Fan Led Review White Paper represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity that must be seized to address systemic issues that football cannot solve.” to rank himself in the last 30 years.”
FA CEO Mark Bullingham also commented on the plans. “We welcome the publication of the White Paper and its commitment to improving the financial sustainability and governance of professional clubs,” he said.
Finally, Government Sports Minister Stuart Andrew gave his support to the plans. In an interview with GB News, he said: “There are clearly some serious issues and so what we’re doing today is issuing a white paper where we’re going to bring in an independent regulator who will try to make clubs more sustainable.
“I hope this brings more stability in the football pyramid because at the end of the day we worry about the fans. They are the ones who have invested so much in their club and we want to make sure that success is built on and is there for years to come.”