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Government announces new independent regulator to ‘protect long-term future of English football’

Many feel the reform is long overdue and are now wondering if the regulations will apply retroactively.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 23rd February 2023

The UK government has revealed a bold new plan aimed at “protecting the long-term future of English football”, the main feature of which is a long-called-for independent regulator.

Announced on Wednesday evening, the new UK reform and installation of the English pyramid’s first-ever football regulator is set to be established imminently and tasked with overseeing the financial sustainability of the game and, crucially, putting “fans back at the heart of how football is run”.

Not only will the independent regulator look to ensure clubs don’t go bust as we have nearly seen on a number of occasions in recent years, it will also add extra layers of scrutiny onto prospective investors looking to buy clubs — i.e. the ‘fit and proper persons test’ the likes of Gary Neville have suggested in the past.

Sport minister Stuart Andrew sat down with Sky News‘ Kay Burley on Thursday morning to talk through the new government white paper and its various facets; for instance, noting that anyone wanting to play football will have to apply for new pro license in order to do so.

Designed to safeguard English football heritage, the main purposes of the reform are as follows:

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  • New independent regulator to help prevent repeat of financial failings seen at Derby County, Bury and Macclesfield Town.
  • Strengthened owners’ and directors’ test to protect clubs and their fans from unscrupulous owners.
  • Fans given greater say in running of clubs, and key heritage such as team names, badges and stadia at core of new plans.
  • Powers to block English clubs from joining unpopular breakaway leagues like the European Super League.
  • Plans follow the Government accepting recommendations from the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance, led by Tracey Crouch CBE MP.

With more in-depth assessments of owners and directors now on the horizon, scenarios like Newcastle United and Chelsea’s recent buyout are likely to be much more complex. Many people have already warned governing bodies about the dangers of foreign investment, especially when it comes to state wealth.

In the same vein, with the impending sale of Manchester United currently in its crucial stages, it remains to be seen whether the likes of their Qatari bidders and Jim Ratcliffe will now be allowed to complete their prospective takeovers or even follow through following this new legislation.

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Perhaps one of the most crucial aims of the independent regulator is to stop English clubs from joining breakaway divisions, such as the European Super League. The overarching goal is to stave off anything that might “harm the domestic game”.

Last time round, Man United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all signed up for the much-maligned breakaway league which was ultimately abandoned after massive fan protests and government intervention.

Now that there are talks of a second Super League proposal, with dozens of clubs said to have been approached already, the football regulator will prevent clubs from joining new competitions “that do not meet a predetermined criteria”, which will be set out “in consultation with the FA and fans”.

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Fan sentiment is also said to be high on the list of objectives within the government’s wider plans, insisting that they will “have a greater say in their club’s strategic decisions”, including controversial decisions like name, badge, stadium and even kit colour changes.

You can read the government’s new plans for English football HERE.

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Featured Image — Premier League/Mika Korhonen (via Unsplash)

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Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.

And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.

Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.

The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.

His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.

The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.

Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.

“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.

“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.

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“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”

Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons

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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.

In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.

Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.

Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.

Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied

At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.

Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.

The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.

Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied

The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.

Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.

“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”

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Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.

It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.

Featured Image – Supplied

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