Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test changes dismissed as ‘smoke and mirrors’

Premier League’s Changes to Owners’ and Directors’ Test Criticized by Tracey Crouch

• Tracey Crouch, former sports minister, has dismissed the Premier League’s recent amendments to the owners’ and directors’ test as ‘smoke and mirrors’.
• The new changes aim to enforce stricter rules over club ownership, with human rights abuses now considered as disqualifying events.
• Crouch says that the new rules only reflect the ‘law of the land’ and don’t go as far as the White Paper on the independent football regulator.

Concerns have been raised among human rights and LGBTQ+ groups about the possibility of a Qatar-based takeover of Manchester United. Still, it is unlikely that the new rules would have stopped the Newcastle sale as none of the individuals involved are on the UK Government’s list of those currently sanctioned for human rights violations.

A more rigorous owners’ and directors’ test will be among the powers held by the new independent regulator. Meanwhile, Premier League clubs have tentatively agreed to a voluntary ban on front-of-shirt gambling advertising to be implemented at the start of the 2026-27 season. Referees are also expected to crack down on time-wasting next season by adding more injury time and showing more yellow cards.

By Mike Keegan and Matt Hughes For The Daily Mail

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