Independent Football Regulator bill becomes law

[Flying Hogans]

Passed by parliament today. Took a couple of years because of the change of government, but the new regulator's powers are supposed to include:

Tough new financial regulation to make sure clubs have a long-term sustainable future;

Stronger tests to stop rogue owners;

New standards for fan engagement in club decision-making;

Ban on clubs joining closed-shop competitions and breakaway leagues;

'Backstop powers' to ensure a fair financial distribution between leagues;

Protections for key club heritage aspects like home shirt colours and club badges and stadium moves.

Can't possibly be worse than the present free-for-all, but time will tell how many of the above reforms are actually delivered. Plus 3 up, 3 down between the EFL and the NL please!

[MutleyRules]

Sounds good to me...but will it work?? Cough...#aj...Cough.

[Kettering Poolie]

New standards for fan engagement in club decision-making;

Wow- does that mean some instead of none?

[accrington fan]

sounds good, but will it have any real interest in affairs at our level. more than likely another organisation who have forgotton football exists outside of the premier league and if they can sort that out everything will be fine.

[Mikey76]

I think this is really positive, although the regulator is still a way off actually having any teeth to deal with issues. Something has to be done when you think about the likes of Bury, Morecambe, Oldham, etc.

Interesting when thinking specifically about Raj though - would he be considered a bad owner? On the back of what happened at Darlo, you'd hope a regulator would prevent the likes of him from taking over another club. Then again, on the face of it though, many fans would say bills are getting paid so all good. This ignores the mounting debt and total lack of transparency. The legislation mandating fan engagement will hopefully put some focus on how money is spent and what steps are in place to ensure the club isn't at risk in future. Right now, it seems to me we're in a perilous position, despite a decent manager and half decent signings (if they stay fit).