MPs vote to establish independent regulator for men’s football in England

England’s five top divisions will soon have a new watchdog overseeing their financial health, as MPs in Westminster voted 415 to 98 in favour of the Football Governance Bill, paving the way for the creation of an independent regulator.

The bill, backed by cross-party support at its third reading, is now set to become law. A standalone governing body, distinct from both government and football’s own authorities, will take on this oversight role.

The legislation’s central aim is stability. The government argues it will “protect football clubs” and uphold “financial sustainability”.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I am proud to be part of the winning team that has put our fans back on the pitch at the heart of the game, where they belong.”

Originally floated in March 2024 by the previous Conservative administration, the bill stalled when the general election was called in May. Labour reintroduced it in July 2024 after forming government.

Before the vote, Nandy directly addressed supporters in her remarks to the Commons: “We are doing this for you because, for too long, you have been treated as an afterthought at best or a nuisance at worst in a game that is only great because of you.

“This is for Macclesfield, for Wigan, for Bury, for Bolton, for Derby, for Reading, for Sheffield Wednesday, for Morecambe and for many, many more who have had to endure the misery of being put last when they should have been put first.”

Louie French MP, Shadow Minister for Sport, threatened to revisit the legislation’s structure should the Tories return to power. “A future Conservative government will trigger a review of Labour’s regulator as soon as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, campaign group Fair Game welcomed the result. Calling it “a historic step forward for our national game”, the group said: “Now, at long last, we are firmly on the path to a fairer future for football.”

MPs Reject Free Broadcasting Clause

One proposed amendment, seeking to make 10 Premier League games available on free-to-air platforms every season, was voted down. The clause—proposed by the Liberal Democrats—also included the League Cup final and play-off finals across the Championship, League One and League Two.

Currently, only designated major events such as the FA Cup final, World Cup, and European Championships fall under UK ‘crown jewels’ rules, which prevent exclusive pay-TV broadcasting.

Live Premier League matches have been behind a paywall since the competition’s inception in 1992. A brief free-to-air return came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with a few games televised by the BBC.

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “The government believes that the current list of events works well… We all want to see more matches being televised, free-to-air, but that must be balanced against investment and not risk it.”

The Liberal Democrats argued that costs were spiralling. Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson Max Wilkinson MP pointed to subscriber costs, stating it would now be £660 annually to watch every broadcast Premier League match next season. He called the result “deeply disappointing”.

Subscription viewing numbers have dipped, with Sky Sports’ Premier League audience falling 10% last season. TNT Sports recorded a 17% year-on-year drop.

One new development will see 10 Championship matches televised on ITV next season through a fresh arrangement between the EFL and Sky Sports.

Alcohol, Dementia Support Proposals Rejected

Conservative attempts to reopen discussion on fans consuming alcohol in the stands were also knocked back. The ban has been in place since 1985, originally introduced to combat hooliganism linked to alcohol on the terraces.

Louie French MP said supporters now “rush to drink their beer before kick-off and at half-time”, causing ingress delays and crowding in concourses.

In response, Minister Peacock emphasised that the proposal went beyond the Bill’s scope. “I’ve raised the issue with the Home Office, as I committed to do during the Bill committee, as it is their policy lead,” she said.

Another defeated amendment would have established a compensation scheme to assist former players suffering from dementia. Peacock expressed sympathy but maintained it was “not within the tight regulatory scope” of this legislation.

Transparency Vote Fails on Regulator Chair

MPs also rejected an amendment that hoped to require public declarations of political donations from future regulator leadership candidates. This followed a political row around the government’s choice for chair, David Kogan, who previously donated to Labour leadership campaigns—including those of Lisa Nandy and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Conservative MPs criticised the appointment, accusing the government of “cronyism”. Kogan’s nomination is currently under review by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.