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The UK government proposes to expand the powers of the football regulator to combat fraudulent owners and the Super League

By JAMES ROBSON AP Football Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The British government has expanded the powers of a proposed soccer regulator to crack down on “rogue owners and directors” and prevent another attempt to create a breakaway Super League.

The Football Governance Bill would give an independent regulator powers to protect the future of clubs, including tougher checks on who can manage or own them.

An updated bill was introduced into the House of Lords on Thursday with changes that would “explicitly require clubs to communicate effectively” with fans over changes to ticket prices or plans to move a stadium.

The bill aims to ensure the financial stability of elite men’s football in England and avoid the dismantling of community and cultural assets, as seen in the recent collapse of lower league clubs Bury and Macclesfield.

The government said such cases were the result of “excessive and reckless risk-taking, with many clubs living well beyond their means.”

The bill is also intended to stop another attempt at secession after 12 of Europe’s elite clubs, including six from the Premier League, tried to create a Super League in 2021, but the attempt quickly failed due to a backlash from fans.

The government said it was a “critical moment for English football”.

“English football is one of our greatest exports and a source of national pride that this Government wants to see flourish for future generations,” Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said. “But for too long, financial instability has meant loyal fans and entire communities risked losing their beloved clubs to poor management and reckless spending.”

As part of changes to the original bill put forward by the previous Conservative government, the independent regulator would include so-called “parachute payments” provided by the Premier League to help relegated teams.

In response, the league said it was concerned about some of the powers the regulator would have.

“The Premier League recognizes that key elements of the Bill can help make the English game stronger,” it said in a statement. “However, we remain concerned about the regulatory framework. In particular, we believe that heavy-handed banking-style regulation, as well as the regulator’s unprecedented and untested powers to intervene in the distribution of Premier League revenues, could have a negative impact on the continued competitiveness of the league, clubs’ investment in world-class talent and, indeed, the continued league competitiveness. these are all aspirations that drive our global appeal and growth.”

Another change to the bill, which is awaiting debate in the House of Lords and House of Commons, means the regulator will no longer have to take into account the government’s foreign and trade policies when approving takeovers of clubs.

The government said there would also be a “clear commitment” to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.