September 18 – British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has waded into the debate over an independent football regulator by insisting the idea will not fall foul of UEFA despite a warning it could breach strict rules on government interference in the game.
In a leaked letter picked this week, UEFA made it clear that any regulator for the English game on clubs’ financial sustainability should not impact on sporting outcomes.
Sir Keir said he was sure ministers would “find a way through” in talks with UEFA after it voiced concerns that the proposals could threaten the autonomy of sport.
Asked about the prospect of clubs and country being thrown out by UEFA and whether he would therefore change government plans for a football regulator, Sir Keir told reporters: “I don’t think there’s any problem with the rules, because this is a truly independent regulator.”
“But as you’d expect, we’re talking to UEFA, and I’m sure we’ll find a way through this, but I’m confident that our rules are perfectly consistent, and that the regulator is truly independent.
“But of course, we’ll talk to them if they’ve got concerns. I think they’ve slightly reduced their concerns as time has gone on, but obviously I’ll discuss their concerns.”
The so-called Football Governance Bill was first introduced under the previous Tory administration and adopted by Labour after the recent election.
It includes measures to establish an independent regulator to address the financial resilience of clubs and prevent breakaway leagues.
UEFA sources have indicated that it is not opposed to a regulator per se, and the letter even referenced the “collaborative dialogue” with the government.
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