English football is moving ever closer to appointing an independent regulator to oversee the sport.
According to the Independent, the new commission could be in place at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
A shadow regulator could potentially take on the role in time for next season, although there is some legislative work still to be done.
The move could have serious implications for the sport in England, with FIFA previously expressing concern about the proposals.
The governing body’s legal team were due to study the plans to determine whether they breach their rules.
Article 15 states that national associations must be independent and operate without any form of political interference.
Authorities in the United Kingdom have insisted the regulator would be independent of the government.
The governing body would only approve if the regulator’s decision-making does not affect the Football Association’s autonomy.
Several high-profile people in football have backed the proposals, including former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.
While the Premier League have been involved in talks about the regulator, there are doubts about whether they are fully behind the proposal.
One of the central issues to the appointment of a regulator is the dispute between the Premier League (EPL) and the Football League over the distribution of resources.
However, with a prospective Labour government tipped to take a tougher stance than the Conservatives on the issue, the EPL may fall into line sooner rather than later.
Questions over foreign ownership of clubs is another issue, particularly regarding state and sovereign wealth investment.
With Manchester United potentially next in line to head down that route, many people feel the EPL is entering dangerous territory.
However, while appointing a regulator may deliver some positive benefits to English football, it will be intriguing to see how the possible government links are addressed.
