Historic new legislation set to “reform the governance” of men’s elite football in England has been introduced in Parliament.
Coming at what is said to be at a “critical juncture” for English football, following the attempted breakaway European Super League proposed back in 2021, as well as series of high-profile cases of clubs being financially mismanaged or collapsing entirely, and in a bid to “put fans back at the heart of the game”, the UK Government has this week announced ‘The Football Governance Bill’.
At the heart of the Bill, and what is undoubtedly the biggest talking point of the new legislation, is the establishing of a new ‘Independent Football Regulator’ (IFR) as a standalone body – which will be, like the name suggests, independent of both Government and the football authorities.
The body will be “equipped with robust powers”, according to the Government.
It will revolve around three core objectives:
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To improve financial sustainability of clubs
Ensure financial resilience across the leagues
To safeguard the heritage of English football
The Government has announced a ‘historic’ new independent regulator for men’s football in England / Credit: Fanga Images | Connor Coyne (via Unsplash)
New owners and directors will face stronger tests to stop clubs falling into the wrong hands under the new Bill, and will also face the possibility of being removed and struck-off from owning football clubs in the future, if they’re found to be “unsuitable”.
New backstop powers around financial distributions between the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL), and National League also form part of the new Bill, and would be triggered to “ensure a settlement is reached” if the three leagues fail to agree on a new deal on financial distributions.
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And, for the first time in football history, clubs from the National League – which is Step One in the football pyramid – all the way to the Premier League will be licensed to compete in men’s elite football competitions in England.
The Government says this will, however, be “proportionate to any problems, size, and circumstances” of the clubs, and will involve a system of provisional and full licences to give everyone “time to transition”.
The Football Governance Bill will put fans first, with:
⚽ An independent regulator and licensing for English elite men’s football clubs 📃 More financial sustainability and governance 👨👩👧👦 More fan involvement 🏆 Blocks on breakaway competitions
Find out more:
— Department for Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) March 19, 2024
All clubs will be subject to new baseline requirements under the legislation, the Government says, irrespective of their licence status
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The provisional licence will require all clubs to meet some mandatory conditions as standard, including basic requirements on fan engagement, corporate governance, and financial reporting, and then the regulator will apply additional bespoke licence conditions on clubs, as necessary, to ensure they meet necessary standards for a full licence across three key areas – financial resources, non-financial resources, and fan engagement.
The latter is said to be “a central tenet” of the ‘Football Governance Bill’.
As part of the licence, clubs will be required to consult their fans on key off-field decisions – such as club heritage, and the club’s strategic direction.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said football clubs are “vital community assets” as the new Bill was introduced in Parliament yesterday (18 March), adding: “For far too long, some fans have been taken for granted, and clubs lost to unscrupulous owners.
“Today’s Bill will pave the way for the creation of an Independent Football Regulator, and usher in greater protections to help clubs and their fans thrive over the long term.”
Police appeal after teenage pedestrian is left in ‘critical condition’ following serious collision in Wigan
Emily Sergeant
A police appeal has been issued after a teenage girl was hit by a car and has been left in a critical condition.
Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for information following a collision in Wigan at around 6:05pm yesterday (30 December 2025), which involved a 16-year-old female pedestrian and a car.
A pedestrian, the female aged 16, was crossing Darlington Street in Wigan when a Seat Arona travelling west down Darlington Street collided with her.
The girl was taken to hospital and is currently a critical condition.
#APPEAL | We are appealing for information following a collision between a pedestrian and a car on Darlington Street, #Wigan at around 6.05pm on 30 December 2025
A 16-year-old girl was crossing the street when a Seat Arona travelling west down Darlington Street collided with her pic.twitter.com/FLTysE6LEh
The driver of the Seat Arona remained at the scene and no arrests have been made at this time, which is why police are appealing to the public for information
Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are asking for anyone with information to please come forward, and this includes anyone who saw the female prior to the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or who has dashcam footage of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with any information is urged to contact police directly on 0161 856 4741, or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2598 of 30/12/2025.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Google Maps
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Manchester Storm pays tribute to ‘cherished member’ of club family
Danny Jones
Local ice hockey side Manchester Storm and its supporters are paying tribute to team physiotherapist Cherry Woodhams, who has sadly died over the festive period.
Having become a recognisable face around the club and around the Storm Shelter at Planet Ice Altrincham, plenty of fans are now honouring and sharing stories about her.
Confirming the news on social media last weekend, MCR Storm wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
The Sale-based physio tragically passed away following a brave battle with cancer; there has been an outpouring of love and support following the announcement.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Through her skill, care, and unwavering dedication, she supported muscle recovery, reduced stress, and helped prevent injury – always ensuring our players were ready to perform at their best. More than her expertise, Cherry’s warmth is what made her so special.
“She was trusted, respected, and deeply loved by all who had the privilege of working with her. Our thoughts are with Cherry’s family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the lasting impact she leaves on our club and our hearts. Rest peacefully, Cherry. You will always be part of the Storm family.”
Storm supporters and ice hockey heads, in general, have been sending thoughts to the club, along with her friends and family.
As well as fellow British side Guilford Flames sending their condolences, others, such as the fitness and sports rehabilitation centre she worked with, commented: “The most wonderful person… we will miss her immensely in Apex Gym.”
Former Storm player Callum Fryer added, “Cherry helped me out tremendously while I was playing for the Storm. So sad to hear of her passing. Rest in Peace, Cherry.”
Even people who “had the pleasure of playing on the ice with her” themselves in the past took the time to pay their respects to the “lovely soul.”
We have no doubt those in and around the club will find a way to honour her properly at their next home game against Sheffield Steelers on New Year’s Day (5:30pm, 1 Jan 2026).
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Manchester Storm family, as well as all those who knew and loved Cherry. RIP.
Emily Sergeant -
19th March 2024 
