The Football Governance Bill could be enacted by the summer, according to English Football League (EFL) chairman Rick Parry.
The bill, reintroduced by the Labour government in October, is set to reach its report stage on Tuesday, where it will be examined in the House of Lords. Originally proposed by the Conservative government in March 2024, it failed to pass before the general election led to a Labour victory.
If passed, the legislation will create England’s first independent football regulator. The body will operate separately from the government and football authorities, overseeing clubs in the country’s top five tiers.
Parry expects a third reading of the bill on March 31 before it returns to the House of Commons. He believes the current version is an improvement over the original.
“The new bill is better than the last one,” Parry said. “Parachute payments are now included, and the Conservative opt-out clause—where the Premier League and EFL could avoid the backstop—has been removed.”
A key amendment will also require the “state of the game” report to be completed within 18 months, rather than the three-year timeline previously proposed.
“This is a major step for football,” Parry emphasized. “Getting the report out sooner is a game-changer. We need to acknowledge that football has not done a great job at self-regulation.”
When asked if the bill could become law by June or July, Parry said, “It is possible.”
Opposition and Amendments
Despite progress, the Premier League maintains that the regulator’s role should be minimal. Baroness Brady, West Ham’s vice-chair, has introduced amendments that many believe will weaken its impact.
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has openly opposed the bill, calling it “a waste of money.” The EFL has written to Badenoch, questioning her position.
“We were surprised by her comments,” said Parry. “She mentioned speaking to people in football who see the bill as unnecessary, but she has not consulted the EFL or considered our views. We have requested a meeting to share our perspective and are waiting for a response.”
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