The Government is continuing to consider the safety and economic case for piloting the sale and consumption of alcohol in sight of the pitch at matches in the men’s lower leagues, as per the recommendation within the fan-led review of football governance. It will continue to consult stakeholders on a way forward, including Safety Advisory Groups and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority. Ensure club directors demonstrate good basic financial practices, have appropriate financial resources and protect the core assets of the club; The introduction of a new independent regulator of football will strengthen our incredible pyramid, giving investors, fans and communities confidence in the governance of our clubs, enabling them to thrive in the best leagues in the world. Mark Palios, Chairman of Tranmere Rovers Football Club and former Chief Executive of The Football Association, said:

I know how much football means to this country, and I want to see the domestic league continue its incredible success at home and abroad. Fans are at the centre of what we do, and that was never more apparent than the period of time in which fixtures were played behind closed doors. The publication of the white paper and subsequent discussions provide an opportunity to make important progress on key issues such as regulation and, critically, the distribution of revenues - focused on ensuring that the football pyramid at all levels can thrive. Our plans will ensure that clubs manage their finances in a responsible way, and prevent unscrupulous owners from treating clubs as expendable commodities rather than the beloved community assets that they are. The regulator will have the power to prevent English clubs from joining new competitions that do not meet a predetermined criteria, in consultation with the FA and fans. That criteria could include measures to stop clubs participating in closed-shop breakaway competitions which harm the domestic game, such as the European Super League.As is being rightly implemented in other important sectors of our society, football also needs a levelling up initiative to ensure our national game remains intact. Football has had ample time to repair itself without success, which is why the publication of the white paper is welcomed by everyone here at Kenilworth Road. My first major meeting as Sports Minister was with football fans. I heard how some clubs had suffered at the hands of owners who used and abused their stewardship. The English game remains one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports, with clubs and leagues around the world modelling themselves on its success. That is why the Government is today taking the necessary and targeted steps to ensure that continues for generations. It will guarantee fans a greater say in the strategic running of their clubs and help protect clubs’ heritage to stop owners changing names, badges and home shirt colours without consulting fans. It will require clubs to seek regulator approval for any sale or relocation of the stadium, with fan engagement a major part of that process.

Yet despite the success of the sport both at home and abroad, we know that there are real challenges which threaten the stability of clubs both big and small. As the Club that has experienced the greatest spread of positions in the pyramid over the last decade, we fully understand the importance of preserving the values of our beautiful game and care passionately about the protection of its heritage. New independent regulator to help prevent repeat of financial failings seen at Derby County, Bury and Macclesfield Town

The regulator will implement a new licensing system from the top flight down to the National League, requiring clubs to demonstrate sound financial business models and good corporate governance as part of an application process before being allowed to compete. The Football Supporters Association engaged in the fan-led review from day one and we warmly welcome the historic commitment from the Government to introduce an independent regulator of English football. We look forward to an independent regulator to provide all clubs with the fairest opportunity to compete through sporting endeavour whilst operating sustainably, with the inclusion of supporters and influence on their communities. Led by former England and Great Britain footballer Karen Carney MBE, the review is looking at how to deliver bold and sustainable growth of the women’s game at elite and grassroots level. This is with a particular focus on assessing the potential audience reach and growth of the game, examining the financial health of the game, and examining the structures within women’s football. A full report will be published later this year.

As we have seen with the tragic demise of Bury FC among others, and particularly following the challenges posed by Covid-19, many clubs are in a vulnerable position and in need of support and guidance. Notts County, the world’s oldest professional club, fully supports any action to safeguard the future of clubs and the structure of the globally-revered English football pyramid. Plans follow the Government accepting recommendations from the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance, led by Tracey Crouch CBE MP Football is nothing without its fans, and the announcement today will ensure they remain at its heart while it continues to grow at home and abroad.There will be new tests for owners and directors, ensuring good custodians of clubs, stronger due diligence on sources of wealth and a requirement for robust financial planning. In parallel with this white paper, an in-depth review into the future of domestic women’s football is well underway. In parallel with the publication of the white paper, the Government will also review the efficiency of the existing visa system for English football in attracting the best global talent while maintaining strong support for young domestic players to develop from the grassroots level. The new test for prospective and current owners and directors will complement the current tests administered by the Premier League and English Football League.

This is about protecting the beautiful game, making sure we remain home to the strongest league in the world, and safeguarding clubs big and small across the country.This is a big day for football in this country and I am delighted the Government has acted on the key strategic recommendations in my review.