Wrexham’s Member of Parliament, Sarah Atherton MP, has welcomed the news that Wrexham Association Football Club and its fans are set to benefit from the creation of an Independent Football Regulator following the introduction of the Football Governance Bill.
Since her election in 2019, Ms Atherton has worked closely with the football club, securing multiple visits from UK Government Ministers, and raising the success of the football club in the House of Commons.
Ms Atherton has championed how Wrexham Football Club and the wider community have benefitted from the ‘Hollywood sparkle’ of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny. Ms Atherton is pleased to support the creation of an Independent Football Regulator as other clubs, such as Bury and Macclesfield Town, haven’t had the ownership they deserve.
The proposals for establishing an Independent Football Regulator stem from various challenges confronting the sport, such as club relocations, the formation of the European Super League, and significant changes to club identities, all of which emerged without prior consultation with fans.
The UK Government is addressing the concerns of fans by creating an Independent Football Regulator, which will be given comprehensive powers to work with clubs to improve their finances, create stronger tests for proposed club owners, and safeguard clubs’ heritage by delivering greater fan representation in club decisions.
The Independent Football Regulator will oversee a new licensing regime for clubs in the top five tiers of English football. The regulator will follow an advocacy-first approach but will have the power to revoke licences and impose fines where serious breaches occur.
The regulator will also be responsible for overseeing requests by club owners to sell the club or relocate the stadium and introduce baseline standards for fan involvement in key off-field decisions such as club heritage.
Commenting, Sarah Atherton MP said:
“Football clubs like Wrexham are the heartbeat of local communities, with thousands rallying each week behind our local team. Having experienced the electrifying atmosphere and cheered alongside passionate fans on numerous occasions from the sidelines, it’s always a guarantee of an exhilarating matchday.
“It is clear to see that the club and our local community has benefitted from Rob and Ryan’s global reach, with the club recently welcoming the Prince of Wales and shirts being worn in Wrexham by fans from the USA!”
“Many clubs aren’t as lucky as ours. The Independent Football Regulator will ensure that fans have a stronger voice in their club. This will protect clubs’ financial stability, preserves their heritage, and champions fans across all tiers. The Conservative Government remains steadfast in its commitment to fans, paving the way for a brighter future for both supporters and our cherished local clubs.”
Commenting, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“Football has long been one of our greatest sources of national pride. Up and down the country, it brings people together in celebration or commiseration.
“But for too long some clubs have been abused by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse – as we saw in the upsetting cases of Bury and Macclesfield Town.
“This Bill is a historic moment for football fans – it will make sure their voices are front and centre, prevent a breakaway league, protect the financial sustainability of clubs, and protect the heritage of our clubs big and small.”
Commenting, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“Football is nothing without its fans. We are determined to put them back at the heart of the game and ensure clubs as vital community assets continue to thrive.
“The new Independent Regulator of Football will set the game on a sustainable footing, strengthening clubs and the entire football pyramid for generations.”