Minister won’t commit to Reading as ‘test pilot’ for new football regulator

AS THE government plans to establish a football regulator, culture minister Sir John Whittingdale stopped short of committing to using the Royals as a test case. sustainability and governance of English football, and their commitment to their local club.”

“We have heard about poor and non-existent governance practices, with fans being prevented from influencing key decisions that affect them and having to petition local councils, in some cases to protect stadiums.

“All such incidents threaten the long-term health and sustainability of all clubs, not just Reading.”

He explained that the bill will establish an independent football regulator that will help to deliver a sustainable future for all clubs and puts fans ‘back at the heart of football.’

It is intended strengthen the governance and financial resilience of football clubs and address systemic financial issues in football.

The bill would do so by establishing a “minimum standard of fan engagement” which clubs would need to meet.

It would do so by allowing fans a veto over changed to club badges and home shirt colours, as well as strengthening the Fit and Proper Persons assessment put in place by the English Football League.

The bill would also require clubs to seek the regulator’s approval for any sale or relocation of the stadium and to demonstrate how they have consulted their fans. Speaking on the Royals, he added: “I fully recognise the plight of Reading football club, as the Hon Gentleman described, and I understand his wish that measures should be brought in as soon as possible.

“I am afraid that I cannot commit to a pilot at this stage, but I can tell him that the experience of Reading FC and other clubs will continue to inform policy development and decisions about how the regulator is set up.”

Following the positive response during the debate, Mr Rodda has confirmed the government has agreed to meet with him, as well as fans, to discuss the contents of the bill.