The Minister for Sport has rounded on Premier League criticism of the incoming football regulator – accusing club bosses of making ‘tenuous claims’ that ‘are simply wrong and offensive’ and ‘don’t make sense’.
Earlier this month, senior execs from Arsenal, West Ham United and Brighton launched a scathing attack, claiming the regulator’s arrival would cause serous damage to the game.
However, in a blistering op-ed provided to Mail Sport, Stephanie Peacock hits back and also takes a swipe at a ‘loud minority seeking to derail the debate, promote untruths and preserve the status quo’ as the Bill makes its way through parliament.
The regulator will have ‘backstop’ powers to impose a financial settlement between the Premier League and EFL and, following a Labour amendment, the controversial parachute payment system will also fall under its control.
However, in a piece earlier this month with The Times, Arsenal vice chair Tim Lewis, West Ham vice chair Baroness Karren Brady and Brighton chief executive Paul Barber raised a series of concerns.
Brady claimed more stringent tests on owners could ‘deter responsible investment and could create litigation’ while Barber warned that costs required for the regulator could see Premier League clubs cut funding for academies and women and girls’ football.
Stepahnie Peacock (pictured) has hit out at Premier League bosses criticising the imminent arrival of a football regulator
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady is one Premier League chief to raise concerns about the football regulator
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber (pictured) has also been critical of the regulator
‘Suggestions made in the media recently around the impact of the Bill and Regulator simply don’t add up,’ Peacock responds today. ‘Tenuous claims that the cost of regulation will impact things like a club’s academy development, and by default its long-term success, are simply wrong and offensive.’
On parachute payments, Barber had claimed that taking such ‘protection’ away could harm investment levels and impact in the standard of the Premier League and result in reduced broadcast deals while Lewis, often an outspoken figure, said ‘it will damage the Premier League’, adding that parachute payments were ‘essential’.
‘The arguments against regulating parachute payments just don’t make any sense,’ Peacock says, before adding that the government would ‘deliver a light touch regulator’.
Brady, who has spoken on the matter in the House of Lords, also claimed there had been 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 the football authorities have helped develop this legislation,’ Peacock responds. ‘In 2024 alone, over 230 stakeholder meetings took place with Ministers and officials, the majority of those coming after Labour’s general election win.’
A key debate is being held on the Bill in the Lords today, where a remarkable 375 amendments have been proposed in what some have viewed as a delaying tactic. Many of those were tabled by senior Conservative peers, whose group includes Brady.
‘Over the coming days, the next stages will get underway in the Lords,’ Peacock says. ‘Whilst some peers have been constructive, many have put forward amendments that are cynically designed to dither, delay and block its progress, which could see more clubs put in at risk. I know that the sight of unelected Tory Peers lining up to oppose a Bill that puts fans back at the heart of the game will sicken many supporters.’
Peacock closes by voicing her belief that the Bill will strengthen the sport. ‘Football is one of the Great British success stories,’ she says, ‘and far from weakening our game as some try to have us believe, the Football Governance Bill will help strengthen the game’s foundations, protect clubs and most importantly their fans who are the heart of the game, for generations to come’.
Minister for Sport’s statement in full
As Minister for Sport, I am proud that this Government is on the side of football fans. That’s why we have brought forward legislation to protect football clubs, give supporters 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 which continues to receive widespread support among football fans, their clubs, and politicians of all colours. And everyone knows why it is needed. From the many clubs that have been faced with financial ruin, to the fallout from the European Super League, the case for reform is clear.
However, with change coming, it is no surprise that there continues to be a loud minority seeking to derail the debate, promote untruths and preserve the status quo. We have repeatedly said that this historic Bill will deliver a light touch Independent Football Regulator.
This body will be tasked with improving club finances, ensuring sustainability across the leagues and safeguarding things like club colours and badges for future generations of fans. Throughout the entire process fans, clubs and the football authorities have helped develop this legislation. In 2024 alone, over 230 stakeholder meetings took place with Ministers and officials, the majority of those coming after Labour’s general election win.
Brady claimed there has been 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 coming days, the next stages will get underway in the Lords. Whilst some peers have been constructive, many have put forward amendments that are cynically designed to dither, delay and block its progress, which could see more clubs put in at risk.
I know that the sight of unelected Tory Peers lining up to oppose a Bill that puts fans back at the heart of the game will sicken many supporters. Suggestions made in the media recently around the impact of the Bill and Regulator simply don’t add up.
Tenuous claims that the cost of regulation will impact things like a club’s academy development, and by default its long term success, are simply wrong and offensive. Similarly, the arguments against regulating parachute payments just don’t make any sense.
Football is one of the Great British success stories, and far from weakening our game as some try to have us believe, the Football Governance Bill will help strengthen the game’s foundations, protect clubs and most importantly their fans who are the heart of the game, for generations to come.
Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth
