Goals set by game’s regulator

FOOTBALL will finally get an independent regulator – and that could be bad news for the Premier League.

The new Football Governance Bill has been three years in the making and will be introduced into Parliament today with a promise that it will have the powers to shake-up the English game.

And one of its first objectives will be to enforce a new financial deal upon the 20 top-flight clubs to ensure they give a bigger slice of cash to the EFL and the rest of the football pyramid.

Premier League clubs have hit a deadlock in trying to agree a new £900million-plus six-year package with the EFL and the regulator will have “backstop powers” to “ensure a settlement is reached”.

It means the Premier League could end up having to pay out more and have less control over a deal with the EFL.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer (above) said: “Football is nothing without its fans.

“We are determined to put them back at the heart of the game, and ensure clubs as vital community assets continue to thrive.

“The new Independent Regulator of Football will set the game on a sustainable footing, strengthening clubs and the entire football pyramid for generations.”

The Bill will set out three core objectives: to improve financial sustainability of clubs, ensure financial resilience across the leagues and to safeguard the heritage of English football.

It means potential owners will face stronger tests before being allowed to buy clubs as well as blocking changes to club badges and colours against the wishes of fans.

EFL chair Rick Parry (above) said: “If delivered on the right terms, this landmark legislation can help fix the game’s broken financial model by offering the independent input ultimately needed to help ensure that all clubs can survive and thrive in a fair and competitive environment.”