Despite concerted attempts to significantly limit the proposed Independent Football Regulator’s (IFR) room to manoeuvre and apparent attempts to terminally delay its progress, on March 26^th the Football Governance Bill completed its passage through the House of Lords unscathed, and has nowreceived its first and second readings in the House of Commons.

Of the amendments agreed in the Lords, supporters are likely to welcome the introduction to the IFR’s regulatory principles a requirement for the IFR to engage with fans (and also players), in addition to competition organisers and clubs, their owners and officers. The corporate governance features of regulated clubs will also now include their contribution to the economic and social well-being of the local communities with which they are associated.

The proposed amendments that did not succeed included an attempt to remove parachute payments from the revenue distribution resolution process, which many will regard as a potentially important victory for the competitive integrity of league football. Disappointment though may be felt at the withdrawal of amendments designed to promote the interests of the women’s game and to phase out from football advertising and sponsorship related to gambling.

The Rams Trust board has written to and met with local MPs in connection with the Bill and their support for it is clear.  Four Derby and Derbyshire MPs with whom we have communicated spoke in favour of the Bill during the second reading debate on April 28^th, with two (Catherine Atkinson, Derby North and Jon Pearce, High Peak) making explicit reference to Rams Trust.  All their contributions (which can be seen on Hansard here, and on videos on Facebook here and here) referred extensively to Derby County’s recent and historic predicaments as reasons why this legislation is both needed and overdue.  A number of other MPs also cited Derby amongst clubs that have recently fallen victim to the issues in football that underlie the flawed decision making and governance failures that necessitate more effective regulation.

There is opposition to the Bill from the Conservative benches, despite it being substantially the same as the Bill they introduced to Parliament before the last election in response to the report of the Fan Led Review of Football Governance chaired by their own MP and former Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch.  In February the leader of the opposition claimed she had been told by people in the game that legislation is not wanted by football – clearly she had not spoken to the major organisations representing fans or even to the EFL – but  the size of the government’s majority in the Commons means it is highly unlikely that the Bill will fail to pass into law.

In anticipation of the legislation’s enactment the Government has already announced its preferred candidate for the position of IFR Chair.  While this nominee (David Kogan) has inevitably met with a mixed reception, he has extensive experience applicable to the major challenges presented by the role and of the points of view of the key protagonists, which the IFR will seek to reconcile.  We understand the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) are comfortable with his nomination.

Extensive debate on the Bill and proposed further amendments will take place at the  committee stage, the dates for which have yet to be announced.  At the time of writing the FSA are discussing how it might influence this debate.  There are opportunities to further strengthen the legislation, for example through provisions that encourage the appointment to club boards of independent non-executive directors, prohibit the playing of ‘home’ games abroad and provide a more comprehensive definition of distributable revenue (encompassing scenarios where clubs enter into broadcasting rights arrangements not via a competition organiser but directly with broadcasters). However, as the FSA is generally happy with the Bill as it stands, it is also minded not to do anything that could derail its passage through Parliament before the summer recess begins on July 21^st.  Further guidance from the FSA, setting out its position and how its members can participate in any related initiatives is though expected in the near future, and RamsTrust members will be updated accordingly when this arrives.