Football Governance Act becomes law in historic moment as Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledges a 'fairer future for the game we all love'

The Football Governance Act received 'Royal Assent' on Monday, which means it has passed into law and establishes the regulator to oversee the men's game from the Premier League, right down to League Two. The Act will grant power to a body that is independent from government and footballing authorities, with PM Starmer saying this will help protect the "game we all love".

Starmer said: "This is a proud and defining moment for English football. As someone who has loved the game all my life, I know just how deeply it runs through our communities. It’s where memories are made, and generations come together. Our landmark Football Governance Act delivers on the promise we made to fans. It will protect the clubs they cherish, and the vital role they play in our economy. Through our Plan for Change, we are ushering in a stronger, fairer future for the game we all love."

The regulator will be launched later this year, and its purpose is to improve financial sustainability across the top five leagues of English football, while also stopping clubs from joining breakaway competitions like a European Super League. While the Premier League itself has been critical of the need for a regulator, this initially sprouted out from a fan-led review, and now the Labour government has passed it into law in an historic moment for football.

In addition to launching it later this year, the government have said the process of appointing a senior leadership team for the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is ongoing, with the announcement of an interim CEO and board 'expected shortly'.