The King’s Speech today confirms there will be a plan for an independent regulator for football.

RamsTrust welcomes this announcement after campaigning for many years alongside supporters’ trusts across the country for this change.

Led by the Football Supporters’ Association, trusts and their members have responded to the Tracey Crouch enquiry and taken part in consultations that have resulted in the Football Governance Bill.

The Bill proposes:

·        The establishment of a new, independent regulator

·        Strengthened owners’ and directors’ tests

·        Minimum standards of fan engagement

·        Majority fan votes on any changes to club badges, names and home shirt colours

·        Regulator approval for the sale or relocations of stadiums, with supporter consultation

·        Prevention of clubs joining breakaway leagues

·        Intervention as a last resort to ensure financial sustainability

·        A compulsory ‘Football Club Governance Code’

You can read the full text in The King’s Speech briefing notes (pages 51 – 53).

Having been on the receiving end of poor ownership in the past at Derby County, we see this measure as a real positive step forward in preventing our club and supporters going through the turmoil we have suffered in the past. 

We will continue to work with the FSA, our own club and supporters’ groups to support the progress of this important legislation for the benefit of football fans everywhere.