The prospect of an independent regulator being introduced into English football has created ‘tension’ amongst Premier League clubs.
Independent regulation has been put forward as a proposal following the Government’s fan-led review of the game, with the hope that regulation can ensure “a long-term sustainable position for English football”.
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The calls come in the wake of the European Super League fall-out and financial problems encountered with several lower league sides.
Regulators would possess ‘oversight’ of a club’s finances and be in a position to decide whether owners and directors were ‘fit to hold their role’, with the introduction of a new integrity test.
The Athletic are reporting that several Premier League clubs have been left furious after the division’s chief executive, Richard Masters, spoke to the BBC and confirmed the league was ‘open’ to the prospect of independent regulators.
Those comments came after Masters had previously stated his belief that the Premier League was capable of governing itself at shareholders’ meetings, with a number of clubs unhappy with the chief executive’s public stance.
Officials from Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and West Ham are amongst those to have spoken out against the idea of independent regulation, though there is believed to be openness from some sections if the proposal can lead to greater ‘financial discipline’.
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