The government is to put a football governance bill before parliament in the coming year, confirming the legislation that will create an independent regulator for the game.

The government is to put a football governance bill before parliament in the coming year, confirming the legislation that will create an independent regulator for the game.

Announced as part of the king's speech on Tuesday morning, the news effectively guarantees the arrival of a regulator, two years on from the landmark publication of the fan-led review of football governance.

In his address to parliament, King Charles made a brief acknowledgment that "legislation will be brought forward to safeguard the future of football clubs for the benefit of communities and fans".

Notes published by the government, however, confirmed that such safeguarding would be the responsibility of an independent regulator, and laid out its key responsibilities. These include control of a licensing regime under which football clubs in England and Wales will be expected to operate. The regulator will also, in the government's words, "have powers to monitor and enforce compliance with requirements in financial regulation; corporate governance; club ownership (owners' and directors' tests); fan engagement and club heritage protection; and approved competitions".