Independent Football Regulator

Lord Grantchester Excerpts

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

As I mentioned before, the proposed levy represents 0.2% of football’s annual revenues of £9 billion last year. We believe that this is affordable by football. The budget is set by the regulator as an independent regulator. It will lay its report to Parliament to allow scrutiny of that. The State of the Game report, published only recently, underlines the need for change and for this regulator.

[Lord Grantchester (Lab)]

My Lords, along with the Prime Minister, I am proud to declare my interest in and support for Everton Football Club. To clarify how costs have risen, can my noble friend the Minister outline the action the independent regulator has taken to establish itself since its creation last year? It may be helpful to understand what engagement the regulator has had with every regulated football club about this proposed levy.

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

My noble friend is right to highlight the action that has been taken since the regulator has been set up. The regulator has already published its State of the Game report, begun testing owners, directors and senior executives, protected club heritage by ensuring that fans are consulted on key decisions, and issued 10 consultations alongside final rules and guidance. The regulator’s CEO has written to all clubs ahead of the levy consultation, which will run until 4 December, and we encourage all clubs to respond and help shape the methodology that will determine the levy they pay.