Premier League owners’ test to include disqualification for ‘human rights abuses’
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Premier League clubs have agreed to bring in tougher rules to its owners’ and directors’ test – including disqualification for individuals found guilty of “human rights abuses”.
The clubs unanimously approved a number of changes to the assessment process around new ownership, which will come in with immediate effect.
Under its changes, the Premier League added a number of new “disqualifying events” for prospective owners and directors – including “human rights abuses, based on Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020”.
The Premier League also now has the power to block people from becoming directors where they are under investigation for conduct that would result in a “disqualifying event” if proven.
Meanwhile, the list of criminal offences resulting in disqualification has been extended to offences involving “violence, corruption, fraud, tax evasion and hate crimes”.
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There is no mention of state ownership in the updated rules, however, but the Premier League said “annual due diligence” will be undertaken on current owners and directors to “ensure ongoing compliance” with the regulations.
It follows the publication of the government’s white paper last month, with its recommendations including the introduction of an independent regulator.
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