West Ham owner Sullivan says independent regulator a waste of money

LONDON : A proposed independent regulator for English football will be a 'total waste of money' according to Premier League club West Ham United's principal owner David Sullivan.

A government white paper published on Thursday outlined the role of the independent regulator, one of the recommendations of a fan-led review into the governance of the professional game.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew says the regulator will ensure a more sustainable course for the football industry, ensuring proper financial stewardship of clubs, suitable owners and greater fan engagement.

Sullivan, however, says the Premier League needs no regulation and insists it already does a great job redistributing its massive wealth down the English soccer pyramid.

"The regulator will have a huge staff that football will have to pay for. It will be a total waste of money. I bet it grows in size and cost every year," he told the Daily Mail.

"The Premier League is the best run and most successful league in the world. It gives more to the lower leagues, the PFA (players' union) and grassroots than any other league in the world. It's a fantastic export."

An independent regulator, the first of its kind for soccer in the world, is at the core of the government's 'A Sustainable Future - Reforming Club Football' white paper published on Thursday.

The government will now work with stakeholders, including the Premier League and English Football League, before making it law. But Sullivan says the football industry should be left to manage itself.

"The government is doing this for a PR win," added the 74-year-old said. "They think it will be good PR to be seen backing the ordinary football fan and smaller clubs but I bet you it won't get them a single extra vote. I believe