How King's Speech football changes could impact Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal in years to come

Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and rivals could be impacted by changes to English football confirmed in the King's Speech on Tuesday.

King Charles read Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's speech which included reference to the Football Governance Bill. The Bill will introduce a regulator and 'safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans'.

The government had previously announced plans to appoint a regulator in February after a fan-led review last year and now those plans have come to the forefront with the Bill featuring in the King's Speech.

Part of the Football Governance Bill will see a strengthened owners' and directors' test introduced, as well as measures to help historic clubs from going out of business. Fans will also have a greater say in how football is run in the country with new measures.

The planned legislation comes after last year's fan-led review, which was chaired by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch. The MP welcomed the Bill's inclusion in the King's Speech, writing that she was 'delighted' at the 'important step' on X.

The urge to appoint a regulator comes after a number of controversial footballing business moves and the folding of clubs. Bury were expelled from League One following the collapse of a takeover bid in 2019, kickstarting conversation, and human rights issues surrounding the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United placed further emphasis on the bill.

The European Super League proposition and Roman Abramovich's Chelsea sale following the Russian invasion of Ukraine are other key moments in recent history where fans have pointed to the need for a regulator and greater involvement.

The Football Governance Bill will mean that any clubs, including London giants Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs, will have greater scrutiny on any future takeover deals. It would also mean that should any owner fail to run an appropriate business financially, there would be greater ways for supporters to avoid liquidation and related problems.

Chair of the English Football League Rick Parry said: “We welcome the landmark commitment to the Football Governance Bill in the King's Speech and look forward to it being considered by Parliament in the period ahead. We have had many months of detailed engagement with DCMS and will continue to play our part in delivering legislation that is both fair and effective.

“This is an opportunity to create a regulator that can help football to address the systemic issues that are facing the game, so that we can avoid Clubs getting into financial trouble and the threat of supporters losing their Club altogether.

“The football pyramid matters. It is a unique strength of the English game and something that must be protected and nurtured. Therefore, creating an independent regulator that is given that specific mandate is essential, so that clubs throughout the country can be sustainable, competitive and serve their communities long into the future."