The Club has issued a statement welcoming the news that the Football Governance Bill has been introduced to Parliament as of today, Tuesday, 19th March 2024.Aimed at regulating the beautiful game, this landmark legislation will now be debated by MP's ahead of potential amendments and additions and, ultimately, a vote to pass the laws required to create the regulator.
Speaking via the official website, Saddlers Co-Chairman Leigh Pomlett said: "I am pleased that the Football Governance Bill and the introduction of an independent regulator has been introduced to parliament.
"This landmark legislation marks a pivotal moment for English football, reaffirming the importance of fan engagement and financial sustainability within the sport.
"The establishment of an Independent Football Regulator reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that clubs are managed responsibly and transparently, with the interests of supporters at the forefront.
"It's imperative that we learn from past challenges and ensure that clubs, regardless of their size or stature, are safeguarded against financial mismanagement and undue influence.
"At Walsall Football Club, we embrace this opportunity to work collaboratively with the regulator and our fellow clubs to uphold the integrity of the game and nurture its rich heritage.
"Football belongs to the fans, and this legislation reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.
"I extend my gratitude to all those involved in shaping this legislation, from government officials to football stakeholders, and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the future of our sport."
Club officials also expressed their thanks towards Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz, who along with her colleagues, helped push through the bill into Parliament today.
EFL Chair Rick Parry added: "The EFL welcomes today’s arrival of the Football Governance Bill to Parliament in what we hope will be an important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability of England’s football pyramid.
"If delivered on the right terms, this landmark legislation can help fix the game’s broken financial model by offering the independent input ultimately needed to help ensure that all Clubs can survive and thrive in a fair and competitive environment.
"The establishment of the Independent Football Regulator will be at the heart of this reform, and we are encouraged that the Regulator will be given backstop powers to deliver financial redistributions should the game be unable to agree a deal itself.
"In recent years, we have been working with the Government and across Parliament on a cross-party basis. It is clear there is an appreciation of just how important professional Clubs are to their communities and why they must be protected.
"We are pleased that the Government has stated its commitment to the State of the Game Review which will provide the basis for the Independent Regulator’s work in making the game financially sustainable.
"The League looks forward to contributing to that Review while simultaneously working with EFL Clubs, Parliamentarians, and officials to ensure that the Football Governance Bill is fit for purpose and can deliver the best regulatory regime to safeguard our game for generations.
"Finally, on behalf of the EFL I would like to thank MPs, Peers, fans and all those who have helped get the Bill to Parliament and we will continue to work collaboratively in the months ahead."