December 8 – Fan-led review chair Tracey Crouch MP has responded to criticism, arguing that an independent regulator will help grow the English game.
Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow’s claimed that the fan-led review’s recommendations risk “killing the golden goose” of the Premier League. His voice was one of a number from the Premier League and its investors that questioned both the efficacy and legal foundation of a number of the proposals. But Crouch is having nothing of it, adamant that the proposals and an independent regulator imposed over the top of the English game will help it develop.
“Premier League has 20 shareholders,” said Crouch. “I know for sure that some clubs are in favour of an independent regulator underpinned by legislation.”
“I don’t see it as killing the golden goose. The whole point of what we’re setting out is about long-term sustainability and the report as a whole is about enabling confidence in the system.”
Some of the review’s recommendations would fundamentally shake up the English club game, with the creation of a new independent regulator to oversee financial regulation in the game as well as the introduction of a new ‘fit and proper persons’ test to replace the existing system. Fans would also be consulted in key off-field decisions through a shadow board.
However, the review has predictably divided the Premier League, with clubs taking different views. “This is part of the challenge,” said Crouch. “The Premier League has 20 shareholders. I know for sure that some clubs are in favour of an independent regulator underpinned by legislation.”
“I know there are clubs that are not in favour of an independent regulator full stop, and that there are some clubs that are in favour of an independent regulator, but not underpinned by statutory legislation.”
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