Gary Neville & Gary Lineker launch petition to introduce English football regulator

Gary Neville and Gary Lineker are fronting a petition to introduce an independent regulator to English football, aimed at preventing a repeat of the Super League debacle.

A regulator would be responsible for approving or rejecting any proposals from clubs, depending on whether the idea in question was beneficial for the majority or just a select few - in essence, the money-grabbing Super League would have been shot down before it had even started.

Calls for a regulator were around long before the Super League fiasco, but we could be inching one step closer as Neville and Lineker are leading the charge of a government petition designed to force those in charge of the UK to introduce an independent safety net for English football.

On top of the petition, Neville released an open letter calling for significant changes to the English game, with the introduction of a regulator and effective measures to combat all forms of discrimination two of his top priorities.

The letter, which was co-signed by 22 influential figures in football media including Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand, read: "As football fans, we were appalled by the attempt to set up a European Super League.

"It was a direct threat to the integrity of the game; destroying the concept of sporting merit and open competition.

"Supporters came together with one voice to oppose the cynical power-grab by a group of wealthy owners. The furious protests were heard and the breakaway fell apart. Now we must make sure this never happens again. Without swift and direct intervention, the return of a European Super League will be a constant threat.

"We welcome the fan-led Government review of the game and hope it leads to lasting change on an array of important concerns; including co-ordinated strategies to deal with racism, supporters’ representation within clubs, LGBTQ issues, ticket costs and the distribution of income. All of those aims can be realised if we take decisive action now.

"It is time to act. We support: Government legislation to block any Premier League clubs attempting to abandon the country’s football pyramid, and the appointment of an Independent Football Regulator.

"This regulatory body would have a duty to represent the interests of supporters, protect against bad practices, adjudicate as the overarching body on matters involving the FA, Premier League and EFL and, generally, seek to prioritise the wider good of the game, rather than allow clubs to act solely in their own self-interests.

"We, the undersigned, have a voice in the media. We want your voices to join with ours. Your voices are more important. Say ‘No’ to a European Super League. Say ‘Yes’, to changing the game for the better. Sign this petition to make your voice heard peacefully."

For more from ​Tom Gott, follow him on ​Twitter!