Queen's Speech: New football law will give fans say over changes to team strip

Ross McGuinness
The new law would protect football teams colours from changes without giving fans a say. (Getty)
The new law would protect football teams' colours from changes without giving fans a say. (Getty) (oonal via Getty Images)

Football fans will be given a say over potentially controversial changes to their team's strip under a proposed law that will see English football get an independent regulator.

The regulator will be handed powers to block takeovers as well as investigate and sanction clubs amid wider concerns over the ownership of some teams.

The government also plans to reform the way football is run and put some powers in the hands of supporters.

The Government formally endorsed the recommendation in April, but the reference to it made by Prince Charles in his speech at the State Opening of Parliament is another positive step forward in ensuring the legislation is implemented.

Watch: Government embarks on football reform with new regulator

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The White Paper will be published this summer.

It comes amid the sale of Chelsea Football Club, after sanctions were imposed on its former owner - Roman Abramovich - for his close connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

An "integrity test" will be introduced to improve corporate governance and protect clubs and their fans from unscrupulous owners.

The government also wants to give fans a say when it comes to making important changes to their club, such as the name of the team, the logo or the team strip.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales looks towards the Imperial State Crown as he delivers the Queen’s Speech during the state opening of Parliament at the House of Lords on May 10, 2022 in London, England. The State Opening of Parliament formally marks the beginning of the new session of Parliament. It includes Queen's Speech, prepared for her to read from the throne, by her government outlining its plans for new laws being brought forward in the coming parliamentary year. This year the speech will be read by the Prince of Wales as HM The Queen will miss the event due to ongoing mobility issues. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Prince Charles outlined the government's plan to introduce a football regulator in the Queen's Speech on Tuesday. (Getty Images) (Dan Kitwood via Getty Images)

The proposals were set out last month by sports minister Nigel Huddleston.

He said: "It’s just over a year since the failed European Super League bid but it is clear that radical change is needed to protect the future of our national game.

"We will work at pace to establish a strong, independent regulator. However, the football authorities can be taking action now to tackle issues currently facing the game such as the issue of fair distribution of finances throughout the football pyramid and giving fans a greater say in the running of their clubs."

One of the proposals the government is examining is the option of a "shadow board" to give fans a greater voice in the running of their clubs.

The Premier League has said an independent regulator is "not necessary".

However, the Football Supporters’ Association described it as a "potentially huge step forward for our game".

Watch: Prince Charles delivers Queen's Speech in House of Lords

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