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The chairman of the English Football League, Rick Parry, has dismissed the notion that having an independent regulator would harm the success of the Premier League.
On Tuesday, Parliament introduced the Football Governance Bill, which aims to legally establish a regulator.
The Culture Secretary, Lucy Frazer, is adamant that the bill will be approved by Parliament prior to the end of the current legislative session, meaning before a general election.
The governing body will possess a multitude of abilities in order to maintain the responsible management of clubs, compel unsuitable owners to relinquish their shares in said clubs, guarantee that fans are involved in important decisions impacting their clubs, and prevent teams from participating in unauthorized competitions like the European Super League.
One of the most attention-grabbing features is its ability to enforce a financial agreement on the Premier League and EFL if they are unable to come to a resolution on their own.
The powers can only be activated if one of the leagues submits an application and the regulator determines that one of its main objectives, like ensuring clubs’ financial stability and resilience across the leagues, would not be achieved without triggering the powers.
The regulator will eventually request final proposals from the Premier League and the EFL and then select the most appropriate one.
The process aligns closely with the EFL’s previous requests and could potentially enhance its influence in the ongoing discussions about the “New Deal” until the regulator is officially established.
The idea that the Premier League is going to be unduly constrained or no longer competitive, I just don’t even see how that argument gets to first base
The chairman of the English Football League, Rick Parry.
The Premier League has restated its worry about any unintended effects of an independent governing body, and the possibility of any arrangement that affects the competitiveness of the top division. However, Parry stated on Tuesday that the Premier League’s competitiveness will not be altered.
“The gap (in terms of wages paid) is just getting bigger and bigger between the Premier League and the rest (of Europe), so the idea that the Premier League is going to be unduly constrained or no longer competitive, I just don’t even see how that argument gets to first base.”
An objective panel of experts will evaluate the suggestions and consider their effects on team competitiveness, sporting rivalry and the business interests of both sides in reaching a conclusion. However, the leagues must then distribute broadcasting profits in accordance with the decision.
Parry stated that the issue relates to the regulator having to make an unbiased decision because it cannot fulfill its main goals of ensuring the long-term health of the game.
“If the regulator deems everything to be acceptable and approves of the imbalances, then that’s fine. We are not constantly seeking the regulator’s confirmation that their decision is correct. Our only desire is for an impartial and unbiased evaluation.”
Sources from the Premier League were anticipating that the elite clubs would present a formal proposal to the English Football League at their gathering on the 11th of March. However, no offer was made as the clubs devoted their attention to finalizing new financial regulations for the highest league.
Earlier on Tuesday, Frazer expressed his wish for the leagues to reach a deal on their own. It is crucial for the sport of football to have its own agreements.
“This is definitely the most favorable result. I have been advocating for an agreement between the Premier League and EFL for a while now, so I was disappointed by last week’s news.”
“I am optimistic about reaching an agreement before the regulator is officially established. The ball is in their court. I will continue to urge them to do so, as I believe it will benefit them.”
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