• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Law

U.K. to Kick In Independent Soccer Regulator

  • The United Kingdom is appointing an independent regulator to oversee its soccer leagues.
  • Fans will also be given limited power.
England FA

Soccer has long been a national obsession for the United Kingdom, and now the government is getting involved.

The U.K. will appoint an independent regulator to oversee the Premier League, English Football League, and the Football Association, the governing body that oversees soccer leagues in England, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.

  • The regulator’s purview will include ensuring that team owners and directors meet various criteria, such as the ability to fund the team on an ongoing basis.
  • The official will also have the authority to investigate and gather information on club finances.

The move was one of 10 recommended by a fan-led review of U.K. soccer governance published in November by former sports minister Tracey Crouch.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that “we are taking forward the fan-led plans to secure the future of our national game,” while touting a $292.9 million government investment in improving soccer fields and facilities, which made its first disbursements last month.

Fan Power

The reforms will also bestow governance power on fan groups, largely around “heritage issues” such as changes to stadiums, logos, names, and kits.

There could be further financial reforms to alter the distribution of funds to teams lower in the pyramid system. 

The review from November proposed a 10% fee on Premier League player transfers that would support lower-tier clubs, which would have generated an estimated $203.7 million over the last five years.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.

Dexter Fowler Wants to Change the Narrative on Athlete Ownership

The former MLB All-Star owns a stake in Premier League team Bournemouth.

Sling TV’s Day Passes Spark Another Sports-Centric Legal Battle

The disruptive programming options generate a second lawsuit in as many weeks.
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Denver Broncos helmet against the New Orleans Saints during warmups at Caesars Superdome.

Broncos Eye 2031 Opening for New Multibillion-Dollar Stadium

The NFL team plans a new venue and mixed-use development.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
Jon Gruden

NFL Asks Nevada Supreme Court to Rehear Jon Gruden Case

The arbitration fight between Gruden and the league continues.
Blue Jays
exclusive
September 5, 2025

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.
Hosszu
September 8, 2025

World Aquatics Reaches $4.6 Million Settlement With Pro Swimmers

Meanwhile, the International Swimming League’s case heads to trial in January.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
September 4, 2025

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
September 4, 2025

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Megan Romano
September 4, 2025

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.
Oct 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Fox Sports Southwest logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 123-104.
September 3, 2025

Fox, Hairstylist Settle Bombshell Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor all denied claims of wrongdoing.