UK PM Johnson backs creation of independent regulator for English football

British prime minister Boris Johnson has backed the creation of an independent regulator in English football to deal with the game's finances, club ownership and corporate governance. Conservative lawmaker Tracey Crouch, who led a fan-led review of governance in English soccer, said earlier this month that the establishment of an independent regulator is likely to become government legislation this year.

"I do agree with my honourable friend who's just conducted a review on the matter that we should indeed have an independent regulator for football," Johnson told the parliament on Wednesday. Former sports minister Crouch conducted the review with experts looking into problems in the game following fan protests over lower league clubs going into administration and controversial plans from the top clubs like the proposed breakaway European Super League.

The move would weaken the powers of the Premier League and other leagues and the Football Association to govern the game. Crouch published her review last November, which was comprised of 47 recommendations including greater fan engagement in decision-making processes and for a "transfer tax" to be paid to lower league clubs.