COMMENT ‘Protect game millions love’

FOOTBALL is one of our great national institutions. For countless people it is more than just a sport.

It is part of our identity, and as Culture Secretary, I’ve seen its unique power to bring not just families and friends together, but communities.

There is a great deal to admire about our national game. We have a proud footballing heritage that stretches back over a century.

But there are deep-rooted problems within football.

Since the Premier League was launched in 1992, we have seen 64 instances of clubs falling into administration. In places like Derby, Wigan, Bury and Macclesfield, communities have had to watch on, powerlessly, as their clubs either went to the wall or narrowly avoided it.

And looking at club finances, we can see the losses and debts are starting to rise significantly, so we can expect more administrations.

But the problems go beyond financial mismanagement. We have seen top-tier clubs attempting to join breakaway leagues. Owners relocate clubs to entirely different regions. Teams change the club badge or shirt colours without giving fans a say.

When I’ve spoken to supporters’ groups, the message has been loud and clear: clubs and owners are taking their fans for granted.

Teams have to be run sustainably and owners need to be responsible custodians.

The Football Governance

Bill will establish an independent regulator to put fans back at the heart of the game.

A core part will be a new licensing regime for clubs in the top five tiers to ensure finances are run sustainably. That will be accompanied by a requirement for approval if owners plan to sell or relocate their stadium. But most importantly, the regulator has the power to ensure clubs engage properly with fans.

By taking a proportionate approach and avoiding red tape, the new regulator will strengthen the foundations of football and protect the game millions of us love.