Fan led review into English football calls for independent regulator

A fan led review into English football has called for an independent regulator to stop it “lurching from crisis to crisis”.

Former sports minister Tracey Crouch chairs the review and told BBC Sport “This is a huge opportunity for football. We've seen football lurching from crisis to crisis over the past decade and unfortunately we haven't had the right levels of regulation in place to stop that from happening.” The review has commissioned by the Government, and it is understood that they would support the idea of an independent regulator.

EFL statement: Reading Football Club

Reading Football Club has been deducted six points from this season’s (2021/22) points tally, with a further six points suspended until the end of the 2022/23 Season, after admitting to breaches of the EFL’s Profitability and Sustainability rules (P&S).

It follows a review of the financial submission from the Club for the four-year period 2017/18 to 2020/21 where it was determined the Club had recorded a loss of £57.8m, £18.8m in excess of the £39.0m Upper Loss Threshold.

Port Vale to launch mental health partnership for players, staff and supporters

Port Vale have agreed a pioneering partnership with psychological and technology resources company AIM-FOR which will offer free mental health support to players, club staff and supporters.

The EFL’s Community Club of the Year is investing in Mental Health Safety Net – a bespoke suite of digital tools which will enable club employees and supporters to identify issues which may be affecting them and access a raft of information support services.

How The FA’s Visa Requirements Apply To American & Major League Soccer Players

American and English Subbuteo figurines facing each other

Published Wednesday, 29 September 2021.

LawInSport Weekly News Recap - 17 September

Welcome to LawInSport’s weekly News Roundup. This recap highlights this week’s news pieces from across the world of sport. For further updates, please visit our news section.

We hope you find this useful. If you have any related questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

EFL statement: Swindon Town

In June 2021, Swindon Town Football Club, when under previous ownership, failed to pay their Players as per the contractual agreement and were charged under EFL Regulations.

The Regulations permit the EFL to enter into Agreed Decisions with Clubs in order to settle disciplinary matters without them being referred to a commission for determination.

EFL statement: Rochdale AFC

On 16 August 2021, in accordance with its Regulations, the EFL issued notice to multiple individuals of the commencement of disciplinary investigations in respect to the acquisition of shares in Rochdale Association Football Club.

It is alleged that Morton House MGT acquired Control of the Club, and a number of individuals became Relevant Persons without the prior consent of the EFL in accordance with the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).

EFL Statement: Harrogate Town v Rochdale AFC

Rochdale AFC will receive a bye into this season’s Round Two of the Carabao Cup after it was determined opponents Harrogate Town would be unable to fulfil the Round One fixture within the required time period.

Club representation on EFL Board confirmed

Nottingham Forest Chairman, Nicholas Randall QC, Preston North End Director, Peter Ridsdale, and Middlesbrough Chief Executive, Neil Bausor have been voted onto the EFL Board to represent Sky Bet Championship Clubs.

EFL Statement: Swindon Town

The EFL continues to monitor the ongoing concerning developments at Swindon Town alongside proceedings in the High Court in respect of ownership issues at the Club.

EFL Statement: Premier League broadcast extension

Newcastle United Takeover: Why The Premier League Should Amend Its Rules On The Appointment & Challenge Of Arbitrators

Published Tuesday, 23 March 2021.

Papa John’s Trophy rule amendment

Following feedback from Clubs remaining in this season’s Papa John’s Trophy, the EFL can confirm Clubs will be permitted to make five substitutions from the seven they nominate for the remainder of the 2021/22 competition.

The amendment to Competition Rule 10.1 comes into effect ahead of the next round of ties which will take place during the week commencing Monday 29 November 2021.

The change was made after consideration of the proposal which highlighted concerns of a demanding fixture schedule over the coming months.

Derby County Football Club has received a nine-point sporting sanction with a further three points suspended after admitting to breaches of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules

The EFL has today confirmed that Derby County Football Club has received a nine-point sporting sanction with a further three points suspended after admitting to breaches of the League’s Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) rules.

This matter has been determined under the terms of an ‘Agreed Decision’ reached between the League and the Club and was formally ratified by an Independent Disciplinary Commission Chair as per the requirements of EFL Regulations.

The ‘Agreed Decision’ is available here [https://www.efl.com/-more/governance/judgments-and-decisions/]

The role of the EFL’s Player Related Dispute Commission in disputes between clubs and players

Two players kicking a football at the same time

Published Monday, 04 October 2021.

EFL statement: Derby County Football Club have filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators

With confirmation from Derby County Football Club that they have filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, the EFL can tonight confirm that the Club will be subject to an insolvency event under the terms of the EFL’s Regulations.

EFL statement: Derby County

In response to ongoing media speculation, the EFL wishes to clarify that discussions with Derby County in respect of outstanding Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) matters are continuing and no decision has yet been reached.

EFL statement: International call-ups

EFL Clubs have today taken the collective decision not to release players for international matches that are to be played in countries on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ next month.

How HMRC's Renewed Preferential Creditor Status Impacts UK Football Clubs

Published Thursday, 19 August 2021.

EFL commits support for knee and League-wide anti-discrimination activity

Ahead of the weekend’s opening round of League fixtures, the EFL is reaffirming its support to any player(s) and staff who wish to take the knee during the 2021/22 season

EFL statement: Rochdale AFC

The EFL is aware of the continuing reports relating to a possible change of control at Rochdale AFC and wishes to clarify it remains in regular dialogue with representatives of the Club, as well as the Dale Supporters’ Trust.

EFL statement: Derby County sanction (written reasons)

The EFL can today publish the written reasons relating to the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s sanction verdict in respect of the recent proceedings between the EFL and Derby County.