English football is edging closer to appointing an independent regulator to oversee the sport.
According to The Independent, the new commission could be in place as early as the 2024/25 campaign.
A shadow regulator could take on the role in time for next season, although some legislative work remains.
The move could have serious ramifications for the sport in England, with FIFA expressing concern about the proposals.
The governing body’s legislative team is due to study the plans to determine whether they violated their rules.
Article 15 states that National Societies must be independent and must function without political interference.
United Kingdom authorities have insisted that the regulator will be independent of the government.
The Governing Body shall approve the decision of the Regulator only if it does not affect the autonomy of the Football Association.
Although the Premier League has been involved in discussions about regulators, there are doubts that they are fully behind the proposal.
One of the central issues in the appointment of a regulator is the dispute between the Premier League (EPL) and the Football League over the allocation of resources.
However, with a possible Labor government suggesting taking a tougher stance than the Conservatives on the issue, the EPL could fall into line sooner rather than later.
Questions about foreign ownership of clubs are another issue, particularly about state and sovereign wealth investment.
With Manchester United potentially next in line heading down that path, many people feel the EPL is entering dangerous territory.
However, while appointing a regulator could offer some positive benefits for English football, it will be interesting to see how potential government links are dealt with.
