EFL Chairman, Rick Parry has welcomed the “watershed” passing of the Football Governance Bill into law.
The bill had undergone three readings through the House of Commons before being passed and then approved by the House of Lords, which has now led to royal assent being guaranteed to make it an official law.
Confirmation of royal assent has been welcomed by Parry who believes that the Football Governance Act will mark “a transformational change” in the governing of UK Football for decades to come, with aim to bring sustainability to clubs.
“The Football Governance Act becoming law is a watershed moment in the history of English football and lays the foundations for a transformational change in the way the game is governed at all levels for many years to come.
“Our purpose is to make all Clubs sustainable, enabling them to rise and fall through the pyramid without the threat of financial catastrophe. The Act represents a significant improvement on the Bill first introduced to Parliament last year.
“Central to it is the State of the Game Report which will provide the first ever objective, comprehensive and independent analysis of the game’s finances.
“It will guide the regulator in defining, and meeting, its sustainability objectives.
“Solutions which are evidence led are most likely to be in the best interests of Clubs, supporters and the wider communities they serve.”
Parry also addressed the EFL’s advocation “for reform and independent regulation,” having supported the 2021 Fan Led Review which recognised “that the existing distribution of revenues across the game is destabilising, ever widening, and deeply unfair.”
Looking ahead to the future, Parry confirmed that the EFL will continue to engage with the Shadow Football Regulator team as an transitory period is undertaken, whilst preparing the clubs for immediate changes to come.
“The League will now look to continue the positive and collaborative engagement we have enjoyed with the Shadow Football Regulator team over recent months, offering our wholehearted support across multiple workstreams in this transitional period, while also preparing our 72 Clubs for the immediate changes which lie ahead.”
Parry also expressed “thanks” to the Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy MP, Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, Dame Tracey Crouch and all others who were involved in the bill over recent years, despite a change of government when Conservatives lost to Labour at 2024 General Election.
“I would again like to place on record our thanks to Secretary of State Lisa Nandy MP, Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, Dame Tracey Crouch, and all of the other ministers, peers, elected representatives and officials that have paved the way for the Act.
“Both the League and our Clubs have greatly appreciated the consideration, commitment and care which you have continually demonstrated throughout.”
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