Roman Abramovich

By Simon Leyland

According to The Sun (so it must be true!) there is going to be a new football charter which is set to change to the way the game is run.

The charter is reportedly set to bring in new regulations on potential owners, including barring those who cannot prove their wealth is ‘legitimate’, provide an increased role in the running of clubs by fans and lead to the set-up of an independent football regulator. 

It is all part of The Football White Paper, which is expected to be published next week, following a Government-commissioned report into the game that took place back in November 2021.

Regarding potential owners, the Government paper will mean that anyone who wants to take over a football club will have to prove the source of their wealth.

This means that those who are unable to prove they amassed their fortunes in a legitimate means won’t be able to buy clubs and the report states this is being done to ensure only ‘fit and proper custodians’ can become owners.

This would have effectively disbarred the dodgy former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich from the Premier League, with the regulator expected to carry out significant due diligence on potentially undesirable investors…..Newcastle anybody?

There is also set to be increased say for supporters in their clubs, who will be expected to have a minimum level of engagement in order to stop owners changing things like names, logos or colours without consultation.

Do you remember the furore when the Cardiff City owner changed the Bluebirds colours to red? Luckily common sense prevailed and he changed them back

Also remembering the “Super League” fiasco, there is to be an independent regulator who will have powers to stop teams from joining breakaway leagues. 

Apparently, Michelle Donelan the Culture Secretary, is reportedly keen for the independent regulator to be ready to go from the start of the 2024-25 season, with the proposals expected to be signed off by the Cabinet shortly.