Everton minority shareholder Mike Parry has launched a campaign to oppose the government’s proposed changes to the Premier League.
The Toffees have faced uncertain times for a while, but Farhad Moshiri’s sale to the Friedkin Group appears to have breathed new life into the club.
David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche as manager, and the Friedkin Group (TFG) is now reaping the benefits of that timely move.
The American owners will certainly be pleased with the takeover, but it coincides with potential changes in the structure of English football.
Everton shareholder launches campaign against independent football regulator
Parry has initiated a campaign against the possible introduction of an independent football regulator.
The Everton shareholder is opposed to the idea of regulators influencing the management of the game in England.
Parry believes that such a move would be absurd, arguing that the Premier League is already a thriving industry.
On February 28, the 70-year-old posted on X: “I’m launching a campaign today against the creation of a football regulator to control football in this country. It’s madness. The Premier League is the best in the world and one of our most successful industries. It isn’t broken, so it doesn’t need fixing. Hands off.”
OK FOLKS .. I’m launching a campaign today against the setting up of a Football Regulator to control football in this country. It’s madness. The Premier League is the best in the world and one of our most successful industries. It ain’t broke so it doesn’t need fixing. Hands off pic.twitter.com/KpXOhvt6x4
— Mike Parry (@mikeparry8) February 28, 2025
Potential changes to the Premier League with football regulator
Everton fans were on edge as relegation seemed a real threat under Dyche, but things have now taken a positive turn.
Had the Toffees been relegated to the Championship, their finances would have taken a major hit, despite the promise of parachute payments.
One aspect the Football Governance Bill seeks to address is the control of parachute payments through the creation of an independent football regulator.
Relegated Premier League clubs are seen to have a financial advantage over Championship teams when vying for promotion, due to the disparity in financial resources.
Everton’s recent Premier League standings:
- 2021/22: 16th
- 2022/23: 17th
- 2023/24: 15th
The new regulation could also push clubs to strengthen their equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) frameworks.
Additionally, fans may gain a more prominent role in how their clubs are run, with a more direct influence on decision-making once independent football regulators are in place. This could be a positive step toward ensuring supporters’ voices are heard.
The Goodison Park faithful had protested against Moshiri for years and are relieved to see him depart after years of mismanagement left the club fighting relegation.
It will be fascinating to observe how the new owners navigate the situation, particularly if new regulations are applied across English football.
