GovWire

Following the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance, this White Paper sets out the governments plans to deliver an independent regulator to ensure the long-term sustainability of the English football pyramid.

This includes the legislative framework for regulation, with the primary strategic purpose to ensure that English football is sustainable and resilient, for the benefit of fans and local communities. The White Paper also sets out governments broader non-legislative reform measures, to drive industry action in areas outside of the regulators remit and ensure the ongoing development of both the mens and womens games, at elite and grassroots levels.

The White Paper proposes establishing, in law, a new licensing system for football clubs operating in the top 5 tiers of the English football pyramid, overseen by an independent regulator. Football clubs will be required to comply with licence conditions which seek to ensure club sustainability and the overall stability of the English football pyramid, and to protect the cultural heritage of football clubs for their fans.

The government will use this White Paper as the basis for targeted engagement to consult with key stakeholders as we develop legislation.

Commissioned research report

The White Paper refers to research conducted by Ipsos (on behalf of DCMS) on the contingent valuation of English mens professional football clubs. This research report is also provided on this page.