West Bromwich East MP, Nicola Richards, has welcomed the news that West Bromwich Albion and its fans are set to benefit from the creation of an Independent Football Regulator following the introduction of the Football Governance Bill.
The introduction of the Bill comes after a lengthy campaign by Nicola and West Bromwich Albion supporters’ groups to protect football clubs from unscrupulous owners.
The Bill will address threats to the game that have arisen without fan consultation; these have included club relocations, the creation of the European Super League and drastic alterations to the identity of clubs which have threatened their heritage.
The Government is addressing the concerns of fans by creating an Independent Football Regulator which will be given comprehensive powers to work with clubs to improve their finances, create stronger tests for proposed club owners and safeguard clubs’ heritage by delivering greater fan representation in club decisions.
The Regulator will oversee a new licensing regime for clubs in the top five tiers of English football. The regulator will follow an advocacy first approach but will have the power to revoke licences and impose fines where serious breaches occur.
The regulator will also be responsible for overseeing requests by club owners to sell the club or relocate the stadium and introduce baseline standards for fan involvement in key off field decisions such as club heritage.
Commenting, Nicola said: “Too many football clubs have been consigned to history, irreversibly harmed due to the actions of irresponsible club owners.
“Each one of those clubs represents a community that has had its heart shattered. Whether it is by forcibly moving clubs from their home, selling off key assets or in some cases leading the club into oblivion, something has got to be done to make sure football always remains for the fans.
“West Bromwich Albion fans know the fear that comes with having an owner that isn’t acting in the best interests of the club. That’s why I have worked with them to secure new ownership for our club, and campaign for this Regulator that will help prevent this happening to other clubs in the future.
“This is a huge step in protecting our national game, and the millions of fans whose lives have been enriched by the love of football. I look forward to supporting the Bill as it progresses through Parliament.”