LONDON – The introduction of an independent regulator for English football represents a big risk that could have unintended consequences, according to Premier League chief Richard Masters.

Speaking ahead of the second reading of the Football Governance Bill introduced in the British Parliament in March, he issued a stark warning to lawmakers to give the details of the Bill full scrutiny.

“Very few industries welcome additional regulation but it is here and we will continue to engage with it positively,” Masters said on April 22.

“We are an incredibly successful industry. But it is not just the Premier League, right down through the pyramid, we have got fantastically successful leagues. It (a regulator) is a first. We can’t look to Germany or Spain or France and say, ‘Well, we can see it working’.

“We are taking a big risk with a very successful industry and so we’re asking MPs and peers to look at the Bill very carefully... and make sure that all of football benefits from it, and we don’t bump into unintended consequences.”

The establishment of the Football Governance Bill, which includes the setting up of an independent regulator, was described as a historic moment by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Among its tasks, the regulator would set up a licensing system for the top five tiers in English football with clubs needing to meet requirements with regard to financial stability, owners’ suitability, fan engagement and the protection of clubs’ heritage such as club badges, kit colour and stadiums.

It will also have backstop powers to impose an agreement between the Premier League and Football League on how wealth is redistributed if no deal is reached – something Masters is adamant should not happen.

“We have been negotiating with the English Football League (EFL) for over a year with a generous package on top of what we already do – and that remains in place,” he added.

“I don’t want this backstop power to ever be used, it is unnecessary. Since 2007, we have been bilaterally agreeing more generous deals with the EFL.”

Both the Premier League and National League (fifth tier and not part of the EFL) said a heavily amended Bill could damage the dynamism, competitive balance and success of the English pyramid.

National League general manager Mark Ives said he was concerned by additional bureaucracy.

“The game is not in a mess,” he said. “So allow the people to deal with it appropriately and if we are not doing it in the right way, then let the regulator step in.

“Otherwise you will put too much burden on the clubs and it will be damaging to them.” REUTERS