UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis wrote there should be “no government interference in the running of football”, according to The Times.
The warning from UEFA that England might not make it to Euro 2028 has been described by former Football Association CEO David Bernstein as a "last throw of the dice" by those who oppose the creation of an autonomous body to oversee English football. That is a response to a letter received by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy from Theodore Theodoridis, the general secretary of UEFA, expressing his concerns over what he branded as government meddling in the administration of the sport and suggesting that the decision to appoint an independent regulator could put in danger England's entry to and participation in UEFA competitions.
This would have mighty repercussions: England may even lose its entitlement to host Euro 2028 if the ban against the expulsion of the clubs representing England from the major competition, participating in the Champions League, is adopted. Bernstein, who himself represented the FA as chairman between 2011 and 2013 and spoke out many times in favor of independent regulation, does not share such an alarmist prognosis.
"It was an independent regulator that was the main recommendation in a manifesto that myself and others put together four years ago for change in football," Bernstein told the PA news agency. "At the time, we predicted that if it took off, those who are against it would then reach for UEFA or FIFA and use their rules as the reason for objection."
The significance of not overreacting to UEFA's response was stressed by Bernstein. He drew comparisons with other European countries, pointing out that the degree of government involvement in football leagues has varied in France, Spain, and Germany. He said, "This is a last-ditch effort by those opposed to a regulator to knock it off track. This regulator is independent, supported by an act of Parliament. It’s not government interference; it's about creating a sustainable framework for our football clubs."
The proposed Football Governance Bill, initially introduced in March and reintroduced by the new Labour government in July, aims to establish an independent regulator focused on enhancing the financial sustainability of clubs and preventing participation in breakaway leagues. Bernstein underscored the urgent need for such measures, stating, "English football is a great success, but the financial imbalance between the Premier League and the lower divisions has led to tremendous stress throughout the football ecosystem."
A response to UEFA's letter is anticipated shortly, according to sources within the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS). It has been made clear that UEFA had no prior concerns about the Bill. To ensure that the legislation complies with European standards, the FA has been actively collaborating with UEFA on its development.UEFA's letter was condemned by the advocacy organization Fair Game as little more than a fear tactic. Fair Game pushes for a fundamental overhaul of football governance.
The DCMS has previously dismissed these claims as "completely false".
Our sport is in desperate need of financial reform, with 58% of the top 92 clubs technically insolvent due to an inherent culture of overspending for the false promise of greater riches. https://t.co/xECgVJmO3o
— Fair Game (@FairGameUK) September 14, 2024
Niall Couper, the chief executive, said, "The DCMS has travelled over this region many times. This is a scary tale." Couper went on to emphasize the dire financial situation of the sport, saying, "Football is an industry that is crying out for reform, with annual losses in the Championship averaging £10 million and 58% of the top 92 clubs technically insolvent." The Football Supporters Association (FSA) also declared their assurance that England's participation in international competitions remains unaffected. "We believe there is no genuine threat to our participation in these tournaments, and we fully support the Bill," they said.
The conflict between regulatory reform and established governance institutions is still a major concern as English football's landscape changes. Bernstein contends that the creation of an independent regulator is necessary to protect English football's long-term viability and that doing so will pave the way for a more sustainable and balanced future for the game.
Restructuring the sport is more important than ever at a time when major financial gaps and governance issues plague the industry. Bernstein's belief that English football is at a turning point emphasizes the necessity of taking prompt action and having meaningful conversations to preserve the beautiful game's accessibility and competitiveness for upcoming generations. There is a lot on the line when talks take place not just for the clubs but also for the sport's overall integrity.
