UEFA has issued a caution to the UK government, indicating that England may face a ban from the Euro 2028 tournament, which they are set to co-host, should Prime Minister Keir Starmer proceed with current proposals for a men’s football regulator, according to reports from British media on Saturday.
In correspondence addressed to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, acquired by The Times and the BBC, UEFA’s General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis emphasized the necessity of maintaining a separation between government actions and football administration.
Theodoridis expressed concerns in a letter regarding the proposals mentioned in the King’s Speech, which aim to empower the new regulator to supervise clubs in England’s top five leagues. He emphasized that maintaining the game’s independence is a “fundamental requirement.”
“A significant issue arises from a core requirement set by UEFA, which stipulates that government interference in the management of football must be avoided,” Theodoridis stated.
“Specific regulations are in place to protect sports’ autonomy and ensure competition fairness. The most severe consequence of violations could be the exclusion of the federation from UEFA and the disqualification of teams from participating in competitions.”
Last year, the former administration revealed intentions to establish a regulatory body, citing the need to safeguard clubs against financial mismanagement and to prevent affluent teams from forming separate leagues.
The Labour Party, under Starmer’s leadership, pledged support for the regulator in its manifesto following the July election.
Theodoridis told Nandy that UEFA is “worried about the possibility of scope creep within the IFR (Independent Football Regulator).”
“The Football Governance Bill aims to create an Independent Football Regulator, designed to prioritize fans and address critical governance issues, ensuring the sustainability of English football for the benefit of local communities,” stated a spokesperson from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
