GovWire

This consultation response is the latest step in the governments ongoing commitment to support, promote and protect the national game, as well as ensuring that fans are placed at the heart of it.

This began with its 2019 manifesto commitment to an independent fan-led review, which was carried out in 2021.

In February 2023, the government published a white paper (A sustainable future: reforming club football governance) that built on the reviews recommendations and set out a comprehensive plan to introduce an independent regulator.

Consultation and response

As part of its continued engagement with the Premier League, English Football League, National League, Football Association, Football Supporters Associations, and wider stakeholders across the industry and academic experts, the government has undertaken a period of targeted consultation which included a series of panel discussions, written comments and follow-up meetings with stakeholders, including clubs across the football leagues.

The consultation response summarises some of the key themes arising out of this consultation and sets out the governments response.

Commissioned research report

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport also commissioned a research report to objectively assess the financial health of English football. This updated report builds on the previous research commissioned and published as part of the governments response to the fan-led review.