News

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)

News

UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.

In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.

For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.

This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.

On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.

Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:

  • Engage with the person
  • Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
  • Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply

“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.

“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”

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Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.

“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”

Featured Image – Northern

News

Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.

At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.

Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.

Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.

“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.

“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.

“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.

“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”

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Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

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