SOUTHAMPTON FC's Fan Advisory Board has said it "welcomes" the new Football Governance Bill. 

The FAB have digested the Bill revealed in Parliament earlier this week, which promises football an independent regulator.

Under new legislation, unscrupulous owners could be forced to sell clubs and those operating in breach of rules can be fined up to 10 per cent of their turnover. 

The bill aims to give fans more power to prevent owners from making changes to club heritage such as kit colours and badges.

The FAB meets with Saints bosses four times a year to give supporters a say on issues such as sustainability, communications and stadium projects.

On behalf of the FAB, chair Mike Sadler issued this comment to the Daily Echo: "Southampton FC Fan Advisory Board welcomes the tabling of the Football Governance Bill.

"This is particularly as it aligns so closely with the measures recommended by the fan-led Crouch review as well as those of our own board, such as the safeguarding of each club's football heritage, a matter that deeply resonates with a lot of fans.

"Moving forward, it is our hope that fans continue to be at the heart of the efforts of the regulator and we welcome the chance to contribute our own experience and expertise to support the effective implementation of the new football governance structure."

Tracey Crouch MP's fan-led review of football governance, published in November 2021, was a response to three crisis points. 

The collapse of Bury FC, a club founded in 1885, COVID-19 displaying the fragility of club finances and the attempted European Super League.

Among its many findings were the need for independent regulation of football governance and stricter regulation for prospective owners and directors. 

You can contact the Saints FAB to ask questions, provide feedback and add items for discussion to the agenda via email at southampton.fc.fab@gmail.com.