EFL Statement | Football Governance Bill

Cardiff city football club joins the efl in welcoming the introduction of the football governance bill to the uk parliament.

EFL Chair Rick Parry said: “The EFL welcomes today’s arrival of the Football Governance Bill to Parliament in what we hope will be an important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability of England’s football pyramid.

“If delivered on the right terms, this landmark legislation can help fix the game’s broken financial model by offering the independent input ultimately needed to help ensure that all Clubs can survive and thrive in a fair and competitive environment.

“The establishment of the Independent Football Regulator will be at the heart of this reform, and we are encouraged that the Regulator will be given backstop powers to deliver financial redistributions should the game be unable to agree a deal itself.

“In recent years, we have been working with Government and across Parliament on a cross-party basis. It is clear there is an appreciation of just how important professional Clubs are to their communities and why they must be protected.

"We are pleased that the Government has stated its commitment to the State of the Game Review which will provide the basis for the Independent Regulator’s work in making the game financially sustainable.

“The League looks forward to contributing to that Review while simultaneously working with EFL Clubs, Parliamentarians, and officials to ensure that the Football Governance Bill is fit for purpose and can deliver the best regulatory regime to safeguard our game for generations.

“Finally, on behalf of the EFL I would like to thank MPs, Peers, fans and all those who have helped get the Bill to Parliament and we will continue to work collaboratively in the months ahead."

Cardiff City FC Club Director, Steve Borley, added: "Having been a director for 26 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growth of the gulf in terms of media revenues between the Premier League and the EFL.

"Cardiff City are disappointed that football could not resolve this matter itself and welcome the publication of the Football Governance Bill. It's clear for everyone to see that it is becoming impossible for Championship clubs to compete in a league where incomes are now so far apart and there is no longer a level playing field.

"Parachute payments were designed to give clubs a soft landing following relegation, but now they are being used as a launchpad to bounce back to the Premier League."

We are particularly grateful for the support of our local MPs in relation to the Football Governance Bill. Kevin Brennan MP, Member of Parliament for Cardiff West, commented: "Clubs like Cardiff City, which is based in my constituency, are simply asking for a football pyramid which is fair to those outside of the Premier League.

"Football clubs are at the heart of communities. They’re much more than businesses. They are great sources of identity and pride. 

"Despite bigger revenues than ever coming into football, the financial sustainability of the football pyramid has never been more at risk. That’s why it’s vital that government acts quickly after so many delays."