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Football Governance Bill [Lords] 2025-04-28
28 April 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 83
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy raised concerns about football governance bill [lords] 2025-04-28 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Government Statement
Today is a day of celebration for football fans across England. The Football Governance Bill aims to put fans back at the heart of the game by addressing the fragility of the wider foundations of English football. Since 1992, 60 clubs in the top four divisions have faced administration; this demonstrates the threat rogue owners pose to club stability and fan security. The Bill builds on previous work initiated by Dame Tracey Crouch and ensures financial sustainability through an independent regulator. It promotes a proportionate approach with stronger protections for fans compared to previous proposals.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
Congratulates the Secretary of State on bringing forward this Bill, highlighting its importance in strengthening previous government’s efforts to ensure financial sustainability. Also praises Queens Park Rangers for their community work.
Minister reply
Agrees with her hon. Friend's sentiments about football clubs being integral to communities and QPR’s community trust.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Asks the Secretary of State to pay tribute to Dame Tracey Crouch, whose work laid the foundations for this Bill. Also questions the selection of David Kogan as chair of the independent football regulator.
Minister reply
Unreservedly pays tribute to Dame Tracey Crouch and criticises Conservative Party for their criticisms of David Kogan's qualifications.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Question
Requests the Secretary of State to address his concerns.
Minister reply
Declines to take the intervention, suggesting a period of reflection might be more appropriate for the Conservatives.
James Frith
Lab
Bury North
Question
Congratulates the Secretary of State on bringing the Bill and highlights Bury FC's historic first promotion since their eviction from the football league, urging support for the new regulator’s home to be in Bury.
Minister reply
Expresses gratitude towards her hon. Friend for his tireless work with fans during previous club collapses under Conservative Government.
Paul Waugh
Lab Co-op
Rochdale
Question
Welcomes the revival of Bury FC, highlighting Rochdale FC's achievement in securing a play-off place. Questions whether the new regulator will ensure smaller clubs see a reverse of inequity.
Minister reply
Agrees with her hon. Friend’s sentiments about Joe Thompson and his contributions to community work.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Questions whether the Secretary of State will publish a copy of UEFA's letter before voting.
Minister reply
Responds by highlighting that previous Government refused to disclose private correspondence, whereas they are disclosing that there is no issue with the Bill.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
Will the Secretary of State rectify concerns about parachute payments by putting a provision in the Bill?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman raises a decent point, but we have no plans to abolish parachute payments; it is for football to determine its view.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Given the amount of money in the Premier League, does the Secretary of State share concerns about the support provided to families of former footballers with neurodegenerative conditions?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Friend for his advocacy and confirm I am due to meet some of the families shortly.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Will the Secretary of State reconsider ruling out allowing the regulator to take account of parachute payments before the 'state of the game' report is published?
Minister reply
I agree very much with what my hon. Friend has said.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab/Co-op
Oxford East
Question
Does the Bill help prevent situations where clubs get trapped with unsuitable or expensive stadiums because of internal issues at the club?
Minister reply
Yes, the Bill includes provisions to ensure that there are protections for fans around club relocation and the sale of stadiums. It provides clarity on fan engagement requirements regarding significant changes.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Will the Secretary of State assist clubs that took DCMS sport survival loans during covid but are now struggling with repayment?
Minister reply
The Department is working constructively to support these clubs, and I would be delighted to provide an update on individual cases, such as King’s Lynn Town.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Question
Is it illegal for football clubs to advertise posts that exclude white men in the UK under the Equality Act 2010?
Minister reply
I am not aware of this issue but I will look into it and come back to the right hon. Member.
Battersea
Question
N/A
Minister reply
The Minister proceeds without giving way, acknowledging many Members wish to speak in this debate.
Question
Will the right hon. Gentleman now set out specific measures in the Bill that contradict Dame Tracey Crouch’s recommendations?
Minister reply
The regulator is no longer independent and the Labour football regulator's remit has been significantly expanded, increasing regulatory burdens on clubs.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Question
If a Conservative party donor was being presented by a Conservative Secretary of State for this role, would the shadow Secretary of State support it?
Minister reply
When looking for people to appoint to the regulator, any political donor recommendation would be declined.
Question
Does my right hon. Friend think that the Labour party would support a similar appointment if they were in power?
Minister reply
I wholeheartedly agree with my right hon. Friend and reiterates his point about the stink of corruption surrounding the appointment.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Question
Is he content to maintain the status quo which allows beloved clubs to be lost, for political points?
Minister reply
Labour’s expanded remit for IFR significantly increases regulatory burden on clubs, potentially costing £150 million, impacting financially smaller clubs more.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Was the right hon. Gentleman upset when the previous Government appointed Richard Sharp as BBC chair?
Minister reply
The Labour Members went mad about that appointment but now are doing so because this is one of theirs.
Chris Evans
Lab/Co-op
Caerphilly
Question
The speech was hysterical at points; the UEFA ban claim is wrong.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Is there concern about the wealth disparity between the Premier League and lower divisions?
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Question
Does Leeds United's history reflect a need for better financial governance?
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Question
Given that the person who negotiated that rights deal is going to be the regulator, how confident is the hon. Member that they will change the process that he criticises?
Question
To be clear, is the hon. Gentleman suggesting that the regulator should intervene on the issue of gambling ads rather than this House taking responsibility for doing so? I worry about the regulator’s reach spreading and about it forcing small clubs to engage with their communities over ticket prices and so forth; if there has to be a regulator, we must keep it highly constrained.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
The Bill is very much rooted in what Dame Tracey Crouch recommended in the fan-led review. I asked the shadow Secretary of State if he could detail any ways in which this Bill deviates from what Tracey Crouch recommended.
Question
The English premier league is the best in the world. Any bar we go into across the world wants to show premier league football. There is a real danger of killing the golden goose if we try to pull that down.
Gosport
Question
The club was pulled from the brink of oblivion by the largest fan-led buy-out in history—fans put their money where their mouth is. Some 2,300 Pompey fans invested their own money and became shareholders, raising around £2.5 million.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Question
The MP highlights the importance of football clubs to communities, citing Sheffield as an example. She questions why the government is getting involved in football, emphasising that without fan engagement, clubs are nothing.
Minister reply
Not provided in the text.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Question
The MP acknowledges the global reach and importance of English football, touching upon the role of fans and the need for a regulatory body to protect the sport.
Minister reply
Not provided in the text.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Question
While acknowledging concerns about bad ownership, Charlie Dewhirst expresses skepticism towards government regulation in a successful market like English football. He mentions the economic impact of the Premier League on the UK economy and raises doubts about whether every club owner is intent on ruining their club.
Question
Asks if Charlie Dewhirst accepts that this regulator will ensure better protection for clubs with bad owners in the future.
Question
Would the hon. Gentleman categorise UEFA and FIFA as organisations where politics is kept at arm's length?
Minister reply
The hon. Member raises a very good point about how measures in the Bill could place the Government on a collision course with international federations such as UEFA and FIFA.
Question
FIFA’s recent history is not proud, but it raises concerns around operating within landscape.
Minister reply
The creation of the Football Governance Bill aims to address pressing issues without involving international federations such as UEFA and FIFA.
John Whitby
Derbyshire Dales
Question
How does the Financial Fair Play system impact financial stability and heritage?
Minister reply
The Football Governance Bill aims to protect financial stability through measures like regular financial plans from clubs, consultation with fans, preventing super league debacles, protecting team colours.
Tom Morrison
Cheadle
Question
How does football contribute to community involvement?
Minister reply
Football encourages communities to come together for 90 minutes, creating togetherness and social inclusion. The Football Governance Bill aims to protect this aspect of the game.
Simon Opher
Stroud
Question
What does Forest Green Rovers do with mental health among men?
Minister reply
Forest Green Rovers has a 'football on prescription' scheme which refers men to football so that they can feel better and more socially included.
Question
What is your view on the ownership of Reading FC?
Minister reply
Poor owners such as Dai Yongge have attempted to asset-strip clubs, holding them back from success. It is important for clubs like Reading to enter a new era.
Rupert Lowe
Ind
Great Yarmouth
Question
We should leave football alone, it works on its own without regulation. Risk-taking and business savvy are key to running successful clubs.
Minister reply
The Bill does not threaten the Premier League's position at the top but aims to support a thriving football pyramid through talent production and ambitious clubs.
Richard Quigley
Lab
Isle of Wight West
Question
Questioned Rupert Lowe about whether fan involvement in clubs is harmful.
Minister reply
The Bill aims to support the grassroots game and does not undermine the success-driven dynamic of the Premier League.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
Question
Speaks on the Football Governance Bill, highlighting the case of Basingstoke Town and its transition to a fan-owned model. Critiques past governance issues that led to the loss of the Camrose ground.
Peter Fortune
Con
Bromley and Biggin Hill
Question
Supports Bromley FC’s recent achievements but criticises Labour's proposed football regulator as cronyism, warning about the risks to English football’s independence.
Yuan Yang
Lab
Earley and Woodley
Question
Emphasises the governance problems in football and supports Labour's commitment to fixing these issues, referencing crises at clubs like Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.
Joe Robertson
Con
Question
Has the hon. Lady not received a payment of £8,000 from the man whom her own Government want to install as an independent chair of an independent regulator? Does she not accept that this is a major compromise of independence?
Minister reply
I have already declared my interest and do not agree with this intervention. It is for us in Parliament to decide whether we need a regulator, and the Leader of the Opposition has indicated that her party believes football does not need regulation.
Quigley
Lab
Question
As a Sheffield Wednesday fan, I understand the financial pain clubs experience. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Opposition do not actually know why they are objecting to the Bill?
Minister reply
I feel there has been a lot of fancy footwork from the Opposition, which probably belongs on the pitch rather than in Parliament.
Olivia Bailey
Con
Question
I congratulate my hon. Friend on her excellent campaigning on this issue. Does she agree that Reading football club is at the heart of the community and we have to act to protect them? The Conservatives are letting down fans.
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend that the Conservative party is indeed letting down many Reading fans in our constituencies, as well as fans across the country.
Lee Dillon
LD
Question
As a member of the football APPG, I support the principle of establishing a regulator for football. It is welcomed by the EFL and FSA, and even some from the Premier League. Why should we not proceed with this Bill?
Minister reply
The Bill is needed to ensure financial sustainability, proper ownership of clubs, and fan engagement. Without it, we could continue losing community clubs across the country due to unregulated governance.
Question
What’s that?
Minister reply
A Tottenham fan would be able to sell the dust.
Liz Jarvis
LD
Eastleigh
Question
Football clubs are part of cultural DNA, with rich heritage built by generations of fans. The Bill takes steps to address issues but leaves national league and grassroots football outside its scope. What is the Government's response?
Minister reply
The Government recognises that these measures are crucial for protecting local clubs and communities, and welcomes proposals to strengthen regulations.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Question
Clubs are community assets, contributing over £1.2 billion in social value annually through their community programmes. What does the Bill propose to ensure financial stability for clubs across the pyramid?
Minister reply
The Bill proposes a 75%-25% split of combined media revenues between the Premier League and EFL, providing much-needed support to EFL clubs.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Question
Why does the Bill claim cross-party consensus on the principle of an independent football regulator?
Minister reply
The Conservative party has been working to improve the independence of the regulator, making it more effective in regulating the game.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
What risks does the Bill pose to football and how will it lead to overreach and over-regulation?
Minister reply
The Government acknowledges concerns about regulation but believes that measures are necessary to prevent breakaway competitions and ensure sustainability.
Paul Kohler
LD
Wimbledon
Question
Unlike many Members of this House, I can remember a time when football was in the shadows. Overwhelmed by hooliganism, it was looked down on... As we have heard, the premier league has unrivalled global reach, but in celebrating its international reach and national popularity, we must not forget football’s origins...
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Question
Sadly, my remarks tonight are tinged slightly with sadness. On Saturday, Carlisle United confirmed their relegation to the national league... My spirits are, however, somewhat restored by the provisions of this Bill—namely those to improve the financial stability of our football clubs, protect our clubs’ important cultural heritage and assets...
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
Expresses concern that the Bill might stifle ambition in smaller clubs, risking their ability to compete on equal footing with larger clubs. He questions whether funding will reach grassroots clubs and asks for reassurances about fair financial distribution.
Chris Webb
Lab
Blackpool South
Question
Recalls the efforts of Christine Seddon to restore pride in Blackpool FC through a four-year boycott led by the Supporters Trust. He emphasises the importance of empowering fans and ensuring that clubs do not fall into crisis due to mismanagement.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Question
Declares his interest as an Aston Villa season ticket holder. Acknowledges the success of English football but questions whether community activism and local business involvement are enough to prevent club collapse, referencing Bury FC.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy responds by pointing out that Bury FC were allowed to collapse despite supporter activism and emphasises the importance of preventing such situations from happening again.
Question
I am genuinely astonished by your statement. The hon. Gentleman seems to be suggesting that a football team can collapse but still be called a football club, and that should be good enough for fans. Is he really saying we shouldn't have hope or ambition for community clubs?
Minister reply
What the hon. Gentleman just said about Bury football club is rather insulting to the fans who have kept it going. Of course it is a football club. Supporter activism is not the only solution when finances go wrong, as seen with Villa and Birmingham City finding new owners to invest in their teams.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Question
I would like to thank the Secretary of State for bringing the Football Governance Bill before the House. I am flabbergasted by the change in stance from the right hon. Member for Daventry, who supported it pre-election but now opposes it. What will Dame Tracey Crouch be thinking watching this on her television?
Minister reply
Surely the hon. Gentleman understands that across all sports, political interference is frowned upon and has consequences for teams across the nation. The independence of the regulator is paramount.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
As a lifelong Liverpool supporter, I welcome this Bill and commend the Government and Secretary of State for standing up to opposition from Tories and football industry. The current model of regulation is not working for fans or long-term interests of clubs, especially with examples like Everton and Manchester United building stadiums at £750 million to £1 billion each.
Minister reply
The Football Governance Bill is unnecessary because such interventions protect established teams from challenge and cause perverse outcomes like selling young players for profit or preventing investment due to financial fair play rules. Premier league teams are thriving without a regulator.
Claire Young
Thornbury and Yate
Question
I want to focus on the distribution of revenues through the football pyramid. In my constituency, there are several clubs in steps four to seven that contribute significantly to local identity. The share of revenue reaching grassroots teams has decreased recently, making it difficult for these clubs to secure funding for essential upgrades and improvements. Can the Minister consider extending the scope of the regulator to include grassroots teams?
Minister reply
While I understand your concern, the current focus is on ensuring stability at higher levels of the pyramid which will ultimately benefit all tiers of football. However, we are open to further discussions on how best to support grassroots clubs.
Ian Byrne
Liverpool West Derby
Question
I am concerned about the pricing-out of working-class supporters. Despite some progress in freezing ticket prices at Premier League clubs, many young and older fans still face prohibitive costs. Can the new independent football regulator have involvement in ticket pricing to ensure loyal fans are not priced out of their sport?
Minister reply
We will consider amendments to ensure that the regulator reports on ticketing policies and engages with supporters to address affordability concerns. This is a critical aspect of our commitment to putting fans at the heart of the game.
Ashley Fox
Bridgwater
Question
While I appreciate the intentions behind establishing an independent regulator, there are concerns that this could hinder growth in football and lead to increased red tape. How do you respond to these criticisms?
Minister reply
The establishment of a light-touch regulator is aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability rather than stifling innovation or growth. We believe it will provide clarity and stability for the industry, enhancing its global competitiveness.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
Question
Derby County provides the best example of why we need this Football Governance Bill—finally, a competition we can win. Brian Clough was sacked less than a year after winning the league for Derby in 1972, leading to protests and a threatened players’ strike. Years of financial mismanagement led to dropping into the third tier and facing a winding-up order in the High Court. The requirement for clubs to seek pre-approval from the independent regulator for the sale or relocation of their stadium is essential. We need minimum standards of fan engagement and a club licensing regime.
Tewkesbury
Question
Despite the Conservatives’ attempt to turn this debate into a game of two faces, I have a serious point. In 2008, business partners Yasuaki Kagami and George Synan became majority shareholders at Plymouth Argyle, leading to financial withholding and relegation from the championship to league one and then league two in three years. This Bill will introduce regulation of ownership but does not mention slavery or human rights in the ownership test. Will the Government consider those issues important? The Government voted down an amendment that would have reduced gambling advertisement and sponsorship in English football.
Southend West and Leigh
Question
Football clubs command a special place in the hearts of their community. Southend United nearly lost its club due to financial mismanagement, leading to numerous deadlines, point deductions, and a winding-up petition. The social impact of the club is estimated at £10.3 million annually by the Shrimpers Trust, which welcomes this Bill's provisions but has suggestions for improvement. Fans are clear that they want this legislation to progress.
Derby North
Question
The MP highlighted Derby County’s recent financial struggles, including administration and relegation due to mismanagement. She cited support for the Bill's provisions to improve financial resilience in football clubs.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged Derby County’s situation and emphasised the importance of fan influence on club governance.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
The MP discussed Reading FC's anxiety due to their absent owner, Dai Yongge. He praised supporters for their efforts and criticised Tories for U-turning against the Bill.
Minister reply
The minister recognised the complexities in dealing with bad owners but did not provide a specific response.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
The MP spoke about Reading FC’s history and current risks due to irresponsible ownership, highlighting points deductions and relegation threats. He emphasised the need for the Bill to prevent such situations in the future.
Minister reply
No specific response provided.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Question
Football is more than just a game; it is a source of pride, identity and belonging. For places like Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, football unites our communities in a way few other things can. What on earth has happened? The Conservatives say it is another Bill, but it is not. It is their Bill with a few additions.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
The hon. Gentleman will know that politicians are blamed for just about everything anyway, so it will not make much difference. This is a very tightly drafted Bill, and the role of the regulator is detailed in it.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
Question
In my constituency, we are lucky to have Mansfield Town as our local club. The Bill will give us an independent football regulator, and new rules to protect our clubs and empower fans.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Question
In my constituency, we are and will always be proud of our club, Morecambe FC. When we went to Chelsea, we overwhelmed the home fans a little bit.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
Question
The Minister, why is this Bill so important when the Conservatives previously did not support it?
Minister reply
The Football Governance Bill strengthens suitability tests for owners and directors, introduces a licensing system to ensure clubs are run responsibly, and gives fans a proper voice in how their clubs are managed. It addresses poor governance issues faced by many football clubs.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Question
What impact does this Bill have on community identity and the cultural value of football clubs?
Minister reply
The Bill protects and regulates football clubs to ensure they remain at the heart of their communities, preserving their role as vessels for local identity and aspiration. It ensures clubs are solvent and well-run, vital for maintaining their social and cultural significance.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Question
How does the Bill support smaller clubs like Crewe Alexandra?
Minister reply
The independent football regulator will have at its heart objectives to protect clubs, empower fans, and ensure financial sustainability for the entire football pyramid, including smaller clubs.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Question
How does the Football Governance Bill contribute to local economies like Rushcliffe?
Minister reply
The Bill supports clubs that are central to their communities and contribute significantly to the local economy, such as Nottingham Forest. It ensures these clubs remain financially sustainable and culturally significant.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Question
The Member expresses his delight over the inclusion of parachute payments in the Bill. He recounts the challenges faced by football clubs such as Gateshead, Sunderland and highlights the importance of a sense of place and community for fans.
Minister reply
No direct answer is provided but the Minister's support for the regulator's role in protecting financial stability and safeguarding heritage assets is implied.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Question
The Member thanks the Secretary of State for bringing forward the Bill, which will be a huge benefit to teams like Gateshead. She shares her personal experiences as a fan and highlights the need for fans to be at the centre of football regulation.
Minister reply
No direct answer is provided but the Minister's support for the regulator's role in protecting financial stability and safeguarding heritage assets is implied.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Question
The Member questions the reasons behind Labour's delay in bringing the Bill forward. He raises concerns about potential interference from the Government regulator in UEFA-licensed competitions, arguing that this risks excluding English football clubs from such competitions.
Minister reply
No direct answer is provided but the Minister's support for the regulator's role in protecting financial stability and safeguarding heritage assets is implied.
Name not specified
Party not specified
Constituency not specified
Question
Clarify the impact of multi-club models on the regulator's assessment and its implications for women’s football.
Minister reply
The regulatory framework will address complex ownership structures, ensuring clarity in assessing clubs involved in multi-club models. The goal is to maintain the competitiveness and integrity of English football, including the flourishing women’s game.
Dame Caroline Dinenage
Question
Discuss the changes reflecting previous committee's report on fan engagement and foreign policy. Highlight concerns about parachute payments.
Minister reply
Changes reflect previous committee recommendations on fans and foreign policy. Parachute payments are not ruled out, but real-time financial monitoring will allow early intervention to prevent club distress.
Liberal Democrat spokesman
Cheltenham
Max Wilkinson
Question
Inquire about commercial issues such as sponsorship and gambling impact.
Minister reply
The regulator will not intervene on commercial matters like sponsorship. The Government will continue to follow evidence-based approaches regarding the impact of gambling sponsorship in sport.
Question
Call for private correspondence to be published, asking how many letters from FIFA and UEFA were published by their Government?
Minister reply
The Minister addressed the call for publication of private correspondence but did not provide specific details on letters from FIFA or UEFA.
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