Explainer-How will an independent football regulator change the English game

LONDON : An independent football regulator (IFR) for the English game took another step closer to becoming reality on Tuesday as the Football Governance Bill was introduced in Parliament.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed it as an 'historic moment' for the game but what exactly will change when it becomes law?

WHAT WILL BE THE ROLE OF THE INDEPENDENT FOOTBALL REGULATOR?

The IFR will have powers to operate a licensing scheme for the top-five levels of the English pyramid from the Premier League down to the National League.

Licences will be subject to clubs meeting requirements with regard to financial stability, owners' suitability, fan engagement and the protection of clubs' heritage such as club badges, kit colour and stadiums.

It will also have backstop powers to impose an agreement between the Premier League and Football League on how wealth is redistributed if no agreement can be reached. Clubs will also be barred from joining "closed shop" leagues such as the proposed European Super League.

WHY IS IT NEEDED?

While the Premier League is regarded as the best in Europe with clubs enjoying eye-watering TV broadcasting revenue, the picture below that is far less rosy.

Since the Premier League came into being in 1992, there have been 61 cases of clubs entering administration with some, such as Bury and Macclesfield Town, going under.

When six Premier League clubs announced they would join a European Super League in 2021 - only to make rapid U-turns - it was seen as a line in the sand and prompted a fan-led review of the running of the men's game.

WILL IT HAVE TEETH?

The IFR is being touted as a "light touch" advocacy-first regulator that will work in unison with the football authorities and will not involve itself with sporting