Proposed changes to football governance aimed at preventing nation states from owning clubs are set to be discussed in the House of Lords this week. The second reading of the governance bill will address nineteen amendments put forward by Fair Game, a coalition of 34 men’s clubs advocating for a more sustainable approach to the sport. Among the proposed changes is a stipulation that would explicitly prohibit the ownership of clubs by states or state-controlled entities. The amendment states, “The Bill must exclude the possibility that an owner of a club could be a state or state-controlled person or entity.” Additionally, Fair Game is pushing for the inclusion of a human rights component in the owners’ and directors’ tests, as well as a requirement for club owners to disclose the sources of their funding. These changes reflect a growing concern over the influence of state ownership in football and the need for more responsible governance in the sport.

The Premier League has decided not to reassess the legality of Newcastle United's takeover by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, despite recent claims regarding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's significant involvement in the deal. Reports have emerged from leaked WhatsApp messages belonging to former Newcastle minority co-owner Amanda Staveley, indicating that the approval of Bin Salman, the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, was crucial for the 2021 buyout. The £305 million takeover, led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, was initially sanctioned only after the Premier League received "legally binding assurances" that the Saudi state would not exert control over the club. However, the Premier League believes that its regulations have not been violated and will not be revisiting the matter.