The Sports Minister has addressed the Premier League's criticism of football's new regulator, accusing club bosses of making “tenuous claims” that “are simply wrong and offensive” and “make no sense”.
Earlier this month, senior executives at Arsenal, West Ham United and Brighton launched a scathing attack, claiming the regulator's arrival would cause serious damage to the game.
However, in a scathing opinion piece provided to Mail Sport, Stephanie Peacock hits back and also attacks a “vocal minority seeking to derail debate, promote falsehoods and preserve the status quo” as the bill progresses through parliament.
The regulator will have “backstop” powers to impose a financial deal between the Premier League and the EFL and, following a Labor amendment, the controversial parachute payment system will also come under its control.
However, in an article published earlier this month in The Times, Arsenal vice-chairman Tim Lewis, West Ham vice-chairwoman Baroness Karren Brady and Brighton chief executive Paul Barber raised a number of concerns. .
Brady claimed that stricter tests on owners could “deter responsible investment and lead to litigation”, while Barber warned that the costs required by the regulator could cause Premier League clubs to reduce funding for academies and women's football. and feminine.
Stepahnie Peacock (pictured) has criticized Premier League bosses over the imminent arrival of a football regulator.
West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady is among Premier League bosses raising concerns about football's regulator.
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber (pictured) has also criticized the regulator.
“Suggestions made recently in the media about the impact of the bill and the regulator simply do not add up,” Peacock responds today. “Temporary claims that the cost of regulation will affect things like the development of a club's academy, and by default its long-term success, are simply wrong and offensive.”
Regarding parachute payments, Barber had claimed that removing such “protection” could harm investment levels and affect the standard of the Premier League and result in a reduction in broadcast deals, while Lewis, often a figure outspoken, said it will “damage the Premier League”. , adding that parachute payments were “essential.”
“The arguments against regulating parachute payments simply don't make any sense,” Peacock says, before adding that the government would “provide a light regulator.”
Brady, who spoke about the matter in the House of Lords, also claimed there was a “lack of consultation” with seven clubs invited to meet Secretary of State for Sport Lisa Nandy for “half an hour”.
“Throughout the entire process, fans, clubs and football authorities have helped develop this legislation,” Peacock responds. “In 2024 alone, more than 230 stakeholder meetings were held with ministers and officials, the majority of which occurred after Labour's general election victory.”
A key debate on the bill is taking place in the House of Lords today, where a notable 375 amendments have been proposed in what some have seen as a delaying tactic. Many of them were presented by senior conservative peers, whose group includes Brady.
“Over the next few days, the next stages will be put in place in the Lords,” says Peacock. “While some peers have been constructive, many have put forward amendments that are cynically designed to falter, delay and block their progress, which could put more clubs at risk. I know that seeing unelected Conservative peers queuing up to oppose a Bill that puts fans back at the center of the game will upset many supporters.'
Peacock concludes by expressing his belief that the bill will strengthen the sport. “Football is one of Britain's great success stories,” he says, “and far from weakening our sport as some would have us believe, the Football Governance Bill will help strengthen the foundations of the sport, protect clubs and, most importantly, to its fans, who are the heart of the game, for generations to come.
Full statement from the Minister of Sports
As Minister of Sports, I am proud that this Government is on the side of football fans. That is why we have introduced legislation to protect football clubs, give fans a greater say in how they are run and safeguard the long-term financial sustainability of the game.
The Football Governance Bill is a key piece of legislation that continues to receive broad support among football fans, their clubs and politicians of all stripes. And everyone knows why it is necessary. From the many clubs that have faced financial ruin to the fallout from the European Super League, the arguments for reform are clear.
However, with change coming, it is no surprise that there remains a vocal minority seeking to derail debate, promote falsehoods and preserve the status quo. We have said repeatedly that this landmark Bill will bring a light touch to the Independent Football Regulator.
This body will be tasked with improving clubs' finances, ensuring sustainability across leagues and safeguarding things like club colors and badges for future generations of fans. Throughout the entire process, fans, clubs and football authorities have helped develop this legislation. In 2024 alone, more than 230 stakeholder meetings were held with ministers and officials, the majority of which occurred after Labour's general election victory.
Brady claimed there was a “lack of consultation” following a brief meeting with Lisa Nandy (pictured) but Peacock insists everyone has been kept informed throughout the process.
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Over the next few days the next stages will be launched at the Lords. While some peers have been constructive, many have put forward amendments that are cynically designed to falter, delay and block their progress, potentially putting more clubs at risk.
I know that seeing unelected Conservative peers lining up to oppose a bill that puts fans back at the heart of the game will sicken many supporters. Suggestions made recently in the media about the impact of the bill and the regulator simply do not add up.
Tenuous claims that the cost of regulation will affect things like the development of a club's academy, and by default its long-term success, are simply wrong and offensive. Similarly, arguments against regulating parachute payments simply don't make any sense.
Football is one of Britain's great success stories, and far from weakening our game as some would have us believe, the Football Governance Bill will help strengthen the foundations of the game, protect clubs and, most importantly, to their fans, who are the heart of the game. for generations to come.
Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sports, Media, Civil Society and Youth