Rick Parry: EFL chairman says football regulator bill could become law by summer

The Football Governance Bill could become law by the summer, says English Football League chairman Rick Parry.

The bill, which was reintroduced by the Labour government in October, will reach its report stage on Tuesday, when it will be examined in the House of Lords.

It will establish a first independent regulator for the professional men’s game in England and was initially tabled under the former Conservative government in March 2024.

The bill failed to pass through Parliament before the Conservatives lost to Labour in the general election.

The legislation will grant powers to a body that is independent from government and football authorities to oversee clubs in England’s top five tiers.

A number of amendments have been proposed but Parry anticipates a third reading taking place on 31 March, before it goes back to the House of Commons.

Parry, whose organisation has failed to agree a funding package with the Premier League, says the new version of the bill is “better than the last one”.

“Parachute payments are within the scope of the bill and the Conservative opt-out provision, where the two leagues could opt out of the backstop, has been removed,” he said.

“Very importantly, the state of the game report is to be delivered within 18 months rather than the three-year timetable the Conservatives proposed.

“This is a massive point for football. Getting it out as soon as possible is a game-changer.

“We all need to recognise football is not doing a great job of self-regulation.

“Could it be law by June or July? It is possible.”