Sport nationFormer Everton executive Keith Wyness has expressed his deep concerns over the UK government’s move to introduce an independent football regulator, describing the development as “absolutely terrifying.” Wyness, who held the CEO position at Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009 and currently operates a consultancy for top-tier football clubs, voiced his apprehensions during an appearance on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.
The Conservative government’s announcement to establish an independent regulator comes in the wake of a fan-led review conducted in 2022. The Football Governance Bill, which marks the first step towards this new regulatory framework, was introduced in Parliament on Tuesday, 19 March. The bill has already met with resistance from figures within the football community, including West Ham owner David Sullivan.
Wyness’s primary concern revolves around the potential for political interference in football, a prospect he finds deeply unsettling. He recounted his experiences during the Premier League’s consideration of a 39th game, which attracted significant attention from MPs seeking publicity. With an election on the horizon, Wyness suspects the push for a football regulator is motivated by a desire for voter appeal rather than a genuine need for reform.
The proposed regulator’s powers would be aimed at enhancing the financial health of football clubs, promoting resilience throughout the football pyramid, and preserving the heritage of the English game. However, Wyness questions the necessity of such a regulator and worries about the implications of its broad-reaching authority.
As the football community and fans await further developments, Wyness’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over the best path forward for the governance of football in England.
Stay updated with Everton and other exclusive football news by following us on Facebook or joining our WhatsApp channel.
For more insights and exclusive content, visit our website.
Related Topics:
- EVERTON
Citations:
[1] https://www.footballinsider247.com/man-city-115-charges-believe-me-keith-wyness-shares-unexpected-abu-dhabi-reveal/
[2] https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3701
[3] https://www.conservatives.com/news/2022/major-reform-of-football-in-england
[4] https://eplindex.com/104486/city-ffp-saga-wyness-voices-concerns.html
[5] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/football-governance-bill-supporting-documents
[6] https://news.sky.com/story/new-football-regulator-announced-to-vet-prospective-owners-and-prevent-breakaway-competitions-13097778
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq9bXAk9N50
[8] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9255/
[9] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/18/english-football-regulator-close-as-government-confirms-historic-bill
[10] https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-13126159
[11] https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-regulator-premier-league-efl-governance-bill-b2514859.html
[12] https://conservativepost.co.uk/historic-football-governance-bill-introduced-in-parliament/
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DFdhtOLicE
[14] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/football-governance-bill-supporting-documents/fact-sheet-the-independent-football-regulator-ifr
[15] https://www.westhamzone.com/news/west-ham-united-kaveh-solhekol-shares-what-david-sullivan-told-him-to-say-live-on-sky-sports-news/
[16] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/19/football-governance-bill-reveals-extent-of-english-regulators-proposed-powers
[17] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c4n85y408zzo
[18] https://www.sportindustry.biz/news-categories/news/independent-regulator-uk-football-governance-bill-european-super-league/
[19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Wyness
[20] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rcmdSV6jCU
Sport nation
