Independent Regulator a big risk, warns Premier League chief Masters

LONDON : The introduction of an independent regulator for English soccer represents a big risk that could have unintended consequences, according to Premier League Chief executive Richard Masters.

Speaking ahead of the second reading of the Football Governance Bill that was introduced in Parliament last month, Masters issued a stark warning to lawmakers, urging MPs to give the details of the Bill full scrutiny.

"Very few industries welcome additional regulation but it is here and we will continue to engage with it positively," Masters said in a statement on Monday after addressing both Houses to state his concerns ahead of Tuesday's debate in Parliament.

"By any yardstick we are an incredibly successful industry. But it is not just the Premier League, right down through the pyramid, we have got fantastically successful leagues.  It (a regulator) is a first. We can't look to Germany or Spain or France and say, 'Well, we can see it working'.

"We are taking a big risk with a very successful industry and so we're asking MPs and peers to look at the Bill very carefully and to look at it with a dispassionate head on and make sure that all of football benefits from it, and we don't bump into unintended consequences."

The Football Governance Bill, which includes the setting up of an independent regulator, was introduced last month and described as an historic moment by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Amongst its tasks, the regulator would set up a licensing system for the top five tiers in English soccer with clubs needing to meet 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