UK Plans Regulator Powers for Premier League Stadium Sales

The U.K. government is preparing to empower an independent regulator to prohibit Premier League clubs from selling their stadiums to related or third-party companies, aiming to prevent exploitation of such sales to boost revenues and evade Financial Fair Play regulations. In June, an attempt by the Premier League to close loopholes allowing clubs to sell assets for profit fell short, garnering only 11 out of 20 votes needed for approval. The proposed legislation requires clubs to secure approval from the regulator before any stadium sale, ensuring that such decisions are in the long-term interest of the club and supported by fans. This measure is part of a broader football governance bill aimed at protecting stadiums as community assets, reflecting concerns that sales have previously facilitated financial misconduct. Recent examples include clubs like Aston Villa and Sheffield United, which sold their stadiums to circumvent financial sanctions. The final stages of this legislation are being prepared by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport.