A privately negotiated solution is better.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A version of this article was previously published on Forbes.com .

On July 21, 2025, the British Parliament passed the Football Governance Act , which creates a government agency – the Independent Football Regulator – for purposes of regulating English football.

The IFR’s authority is broad and deep, including the authority to approve or disapprove of new club owners, control various club decisions on things such as relocation and branding, influence the distribution of certain league revenues, require fan engagement on certain matters, and to investigate, intervene, and discipline for any violations.

The law is a remarkable intervention into the operation of private sports businesses and reflects a bewildering failure

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