What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the UK Government’s plan to establish an independent regulator in football?
The fan-led review of Football Governance in England reported in November 2021 and makes 10 recommendations which the UK Government has accepted, including the establishment of an independent regulator for English football.
The Welsh Government was not asked to contribute to the review and has not been involved in any discussions regarding the UK Government’s response to it. I look forward to seeing the UK Government’s White Paper, which will set out details about the implementation of football governance reforms.
The establishment of an independent regulator will have implications for the Welsh clubs playing in the English leagues – Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County, Wrexham and Merthyr Town. These clubs will need to consider their own responses to the review.
I understand the Football Association of Wales is following these developments closely and will look to explore best practice for its own processes in Wales.