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The British government is also reacting to the fans' protests with its plans
Photo: David Cliff / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
English men's football is facing a turning point: in the future, an independent authority will monitor that the clubs on the island are doing solid business - from the Premier League down to the fifth division.
This is a plan by the British government that is to be presented this Thursday.
The government is following the recommendation of a fan-led investigation.
It was triggered after two lower-league clubs, Macclesfield FC and Derby County, collapsed due to financial problems.
"Our plans will ensure that clubs manage their finances responsibly," said Culture, Media and Sport Minister Lucy Frazer, "they will prevent unscrupulous owners treating clubs as commodities and not the beloved commons that they are."
The Premier League remained reluctant and announced that it would examine the plans.
They are an important moment in English football.
It is crucial that the regulation does not harm the game, the league must remain attractive for investors.
Broad support, no schedule
The Chief Executive of the English Football Association, Mark Bullingham, supports the "commitment to improving the financial sustainability and governance of professional clubs", according to a report in the British newspaper "The Guardian".
The English Football League (EFL), representing the teams from the 2nd to the 4th league, called the paper "a milestone for the future of our game".
The Football Supporters Association (FSA), a nationwide supporters' coalition, also welcomed the government's plans.
The proposal "clearly addresses our key concerns around ownership, rogue competition and sustainability," FSA chief executive Kevin Miles said in a statement.
When the authority is to be set up remains unclear at first.
The plan to set up supervision is also a reaction to the failed attempt by a total of twelve top European clubs to found a Super League in 2021.
The six top English teams involved quickly abandoned the idea after fierce opposition from fans and the government.
ast/dpa