Brighton CEO Advocates for a ‘Light Touch’ Approach from UK Regulator

According to Brighton & Hove Albion Chief Executive Paul Barber, the envisioned independent football regulator in Britain must avoid being overly intrusive, enabling clubs to flourish without the burdens of excessive bureaucracy. This statement was made on Wednesday.

The Football Governance Bill is currently passing through the House of Lords before it moves to the Commons, where Members of Parliament will review it prior to its potential enactment into law.

Initially introduced late last year, the bill aims to establish a regulator empowered to address issues related to irresponsible owners and directors, enforce a licensing framework, and oversee club finances.

Nonetheless, the Premier League, which consists of 20 teams and is the richest football league globally, has expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of the bill, fearing that regulatory measures akin to those in banking could inhibit their growth.

“We want football clubs to thrive, evolve, and generate more employment and opportunities. What we certainly don’t need is to be ensnared in additional bureaucracy,” Barber stated at the Women In Football Be Inspired conference held at Wembley Stadium.

“It’s crucial that the regulator takes a light-touch approach and is fully aware of what football clubs are already doing to sustain a healthy balance sheet and create a sustainable environment to support their employees and the communities they serve.”

Barber, who previously held a position at Barclays Bank, joined Brighton in 2012 and has played a significant role in their advancement from the second tier to the Premier League, where they currently occupy seventh place in the standings. He has also been instrumental in the development of the women’s team, which joined the top-tier Women’s Super League in 2018 and is currently ranked fifth.

Plans are in motion for a dedicated stadium for Brighton’s women’s team, which Barber noted would be situated near the men’s Amex Stadium.

When asked about reports suggesting a pause on relegation from the WSL, Barber remarked that it’s positive to explore all avenues to promote the growth of women’s football.

“We haven’t yet had a discussion as a club on this matter, so I can’t provide a definitive stance,” he said.

“What is important is that professional women’s leagues are investigating every possible option to expedite the development of the game, and if that means offering owners greater security for faster investment, then it’s something we need to consider.”