New laws are set to end bitter disputes between football fans and club owners. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said an independent regulator will soon be created to ensure supporters are never again ignored over major club decisions.
Supporters have rowed with owners over issues including stadium moves, team strip changes and sponsorship deals. Manchester United fans have held a series of protests against the Glazer family, who own a majority of the club.
In January, Reading FC fans protesting against owner Dai Yongge halted play with a pitch invasion.
Ms Frazer said: “The regulator will be looking at ensuring that there is fan engagement in key decisions, so they are placed at the heart of football.”
A review in 2021 by Tracey Crouch, a former sports minister, said clubs should be required to demonstrate they had consulted supporters. There has been little progress since then but Ms Frazer insisted: “Legislation will be coming very soon.”
She said the new regulator would also see that clubs remain financially viable.
Wigan Athletic, Bury and Derby County are among sides that went into administration in recent years.
Ms Frazer said: “We have seen clubs going into administration and ruining communities where fans are at the heart of the club.
“Bringing in a regulator will ensure that clubs are financially sustainable and football overall is financially sustainable in the long term.”
