Gary Neville has strongly condemned the Premier League, accusing the organization of acting like “bullies” with an air of entitlement and selfishness, as debates around the establishment of an independent football regulator intensify under Labour’s Football Governance Bill.
The push for an independent regulator gathered steam after the fallout from the 2021 European Super League fiasco. Initially introduced by the previous Conservative government, the Labour Party has now taken the reins, advocating for a system that ensures the financial stability of football clubs and better safeguards for the game. Should it pass, the bill would grant this regulator authority to intervene in the governance of the sport when necessary.
Neville, a vocal advocate for the creation of the regulator, argues that it is essential to protect football fans’ interests across England. According to a report by the *Manchester Evening News*, Neville believes the regulator will play a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the game. In contrast, Premier League CEO Richard Masters has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of implementing such regulation, citing the risks it could pose to the league.
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Neville didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Premier League’s opposition. “They’re acting entitled and selfish, almost like bullies,” he said. “It’s as if they think they can manipulate the regulator once it’s set up to their advantage. They’re already spreading fear and misinformation, like they did a few weeks ago.”
Rumors have also surfaced that clubs like Nottingham Forest or even Manchester United could face bans from UEFA competitions due to potential conflicts with policies on state interference. However, Labour’s Culture, Media, and Sport Secretary Lisa Nandy dismissed these claims as “ridiculous,” assuring that the government’s approach is focused on sustainability rather than a heavy-handed crackdown.
In response to Neville’s remarks, the Premier League defended its position, confirming ongoing discussions with the government. They have advocated for a more “light-touch, targeted, and proportionate” regulatory approach. Masters had previously warned that over-regulation could jeopardize the Premier League’s global appeal, which has allowed it to channel £1.6bn to support the wider football community.
Masters further cautioned that imposing excessive regulations could destabilize the league, particularly as rival European leagues may benefit from a weakened Premier League. He also raised concerns that such changes might discourage investment in English football, given the uncertainty surrounding regulatory intervention. Even during negotiations with the EFL, Masters noted the risk that government interference could upset the existing balance of revenue distribution and competition within the league, potentially causing long-term damage to the sport’s ecosystem.
