The establishment of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is crucial. In the past, government intervention in football was not something fans wanted, but the need for change has become evident. As a supporter of a troubled club, I have seen firsthand the issues with football ownership and believe that fans who have experienced the negative impacts of a broken system should have a say in shaping the bill.
Different clubs have varying priorities. While Premier League clubs and fans of the ‘big six’ may be focused on preventing a European Super League, other clubs like Reading face different challenges. The IFR must have the power to remove rogue owners and protect club assets, such as stadiums, training grounds, and more.
At Reading, our assets have been split among different owners, making the club less attractive to potential buyers. This situation highlights the need for regulations to prevent assets from being used as collateral for loans or split up. The Football Governance Bill (FGB) should address these issues to safeguard clubs in the future.
The Sell Before We Dai campaign has emphasized the importance of protecting all club assets, including training facilities. The FGB must be comprehensive to address the various challenges faced by football clubs. The Supporters’ Trust at Reading (STAR) has been actively involved in proposing amendments to ensure the bill is effective.
While the FGB may not be a top priority for the government initially, it is encouraging to see support from multiple political parties. The bill must focus on protecting football clubs and addressing key issues like ticket prices, profit and sustainability rules, and points deductions. These reforms, along with the establishment of the IFR, will bring much-needed change to English football.
Although the IFR may come too late for Reading, its intervention could benefit other clubs in the future. The establishment of the regulator will mark a significant change in English football, even if there are initial challenges. With Labour likely overseeing the IFR’s establishment, there is hope for positive progress under the new government.
As a supporter, I am more inclined to work on amendments to the Football Governance bill rather than continue protesting. While the current situation is draining, meaningful progress is necessary. We can only hope for positive developments in the near future to address the challenges faced by football clubs like Reading.