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Question
What measures will the Government take immediately to prevent these clubs from forming a breakaway league?
Minister reply
The football authorities have robust rules in place and are considering sanctions. If they cannot act, we will explore every option including governance reform, competition law, and mechanisms that allow football to take place.
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Question
Can you outline the terms of reference for the fan-led review and when it will report?
Minister reply
The review, chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, will examine financial sustainability, governance, regulation, and the merits of an independent regulator. It will also consider how fans can have a greater say in oversight and models to achieve that. The exact terms and timeline are being finalised.
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Question
The shadow Sports Minister welcomed the announcement but criticised the delay in addressing broken football governance. She emphasised the need for immediate government intervention and cited repeated calls from Labour since 2010 to reform football governance and finances, expressing concerns over the proposed super league.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State thanked Jo Stevens for her points and acknowledged that while waiting until fans are back would be ideal, recent events necessitated an early launch. He highlighted actions taken during the pandemic including securing matches behind closed doors, financial support schemes, and free-to-air broadcasts of games. He committed to examining all options, including competition law, to protect football.
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Question
The Chair of the Culture Committee inquired about specific levers available to ensure football authorities negotiate and not indulge in an unseemly civil war. He welcomed the fan-led review but asked for a commitment that this review will have power to recommend ending the super league.
Minister reply
Oliver Dowden stated they are looking at all options including competition law measures, questioning whether government should continue supporting matches if clubs insist on pressing ahead with the proposed super league.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement, agreeing with every word. It must be clear that no quarter will be given to clubs involved in the proposed super league, as it threatens a huge imbalance in football. The Scottish Professional Football League chief exec warned about the damaging impact on the sport. Public concern over greed and corruption at the top of society is high, especially regarding foreign owners from countries with concerning human rights records. The Secretary of State must explain how this will be eradicated.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to say that we should stand up to greed and protect football for fans. The game is central to Scottish identity as it is English, Welsh and Northern Irish. We are committed to working together across the UK to stop the proposal.
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Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement and decision to launch a fan-led review, but decisions about the super league will need to be taken soon. If existing competition law cannot stop these clubs joining the super league, are the Government prepared to amend the law to give bodies such as the Premier League and FA the powers they need?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his work which has helped shape the fan-led review. We rule out nothing and will engage with BEIS on our response. We are backing football governing authorities and looking at all options to proceed as fast as required.
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Question
This statement contained rhetoric that was good and urgent but detail was thin, so will the Secretary of State fast-track legislation forcing clubs seeking to break away from first ballot their fans and be mandated to abide by the outcome? Will this legislation also be retrospective and active from the beginning of the current football season?
Minister reply
I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are backing actions by governing authorities, considering all options at the fastest pace required, and examining governance reform and finance issues including whether an independent regulator is needed.
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Question
I congratulate the Secretary of State on his statement and announcement of a fan-led review. Does he agree that the pyramid structure of the English football league provides focus for clubs to compete and progress based on performance? It also offers opportunities for community links and rivalry across the country, even between Wales and England. Will this be considered in the review?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The two biggest problems with the super league are that it removes competition and risks taking money away from grassroots football which is central to the game.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. A closed-shop league where there are no bad days or glory days has no place in our national game and goes against fair competition and backing the underdog. Does he agree?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is absolutely correct. We cannot have money and brand triumphing over the colour and joy of the game. Football would be massively damaged by this move.
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Question
I am aghast that the owners of Manchester United signed up to this proposal. It is wholly unnecessary and deeply damaging, on the altar of greed. Will he reassure us that the Government will move at speed to do everything within their legal power to prevent this ghastly plan from seeing light?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend's reaction has been replicated by many loyal fans. We have acted at speed and will continue to act at pace, engaging closely with No. 10 Downing Street and the Prime Minister.
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Question
Six national football clubs are looking to break away from the football pyramid in England at a time when we should be rebuilding football communities from the ravages of covid. Can the Secretary of State outline how the Government will act to stop capitalism and corporate greed destroying a game that millions love and economically many communities rely on?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right. It seems extraordinary at a time when most stadiums are empty and clubs are under financial pressure, these six clubs are distracted by something not in the interests of the game. We need to look at competition law and Government support for clubs participating in the league.
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Question
Questions the moral integrity of Premier League owners and their impact on working-class culture, challenging whether they meet fit and proper person criteria.
Minister reply
Acknowledges concerns about heritage and support for football. Emphasises work with fan-led group to assess fit and proper persons and willingness to take steps if necessary.
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Question
Critiques the six clubs involved in the European Super League as a cartel, questioning their loyalty to competition and asking about legislative action.
Minister reply
Notes the central risk of freezing current state of football. Considers German model for club ownership but focuses on immediate measures with leagues and possible legislation if required.
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Question
Urges quick governmental action to protect football from corporate greed, calling for international cooperation.
Minister reply
Confirms meetings this week with opposite numbers in Spain, Italy, and France to address the issue internationally.
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Question
Expresses concern about impact on smaller clubs like Burnley and welcomes fan-led review. Asks for assurances that top-flight football will be protected.
Minister reply
Assures protection of top-flight football, emphasising its importance to the UK's image globally.
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Question
Highlights structural flaws in the sport and raises concerns about impact on women’s game.
Minister reply
Acknowledges potential impact on women’s game, noting its reliance on financial support from the football pyramid.
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Question
Raises concern over competition law implications and the nature of a league without relegation.
Minister reply
Agrees that proposal could be seen as cartel activity. Considers measures with BEIS, Premier League, and FA.
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Question
Questions role of Prime Minister's connections in football governance and calls for urgent legislation.
Minister reply
Assures robust action, including discussions with UEFA, Premier League, and readiness to act legislatively if needed.
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Question
Supports minister’s stance and defends government's decision to allow football behind closed doors during pandemic.
Minister reply
Confirms commitment to ensuring continued play during pandemic and full stadiums as soon as possible.
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Question
Celebrates Northern Ireland women’s football team's achievement and calls for global fan support against billionaire financiers.
Minister reply
Congratulates Northern Ireland women’s team, acknowledges global dismay at proposals, and commits to backing fan views with authorities.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that this proposal is motivated by greed and shows contempt for fans and the footballing pyramid? Does he also find it sad that while the boards at Manchester United and Manchester City were negotiating this proposal to make millions of pounds for their owners, they and others did nothing to save their local neighbour Bury FC?
Minister reply
I am sympathetic to the concerns raised by my hon. Friend. Many clubs seeking to break away have benefited from Government and taxpayer support; they should consider their duty to taxpayers in return.
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Question
Do the Government agree that tougher rules are now needed on who can buy major sports clubs in the United Kingdom? May I add my voice to those of other colleagues asking for the Government to look at the German model, which requires a minimum percentage of each club to be owned by everyday supporters and fans?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right; the fan-led review will examine the merits of foreign investment in football and its benefits and risks.
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Question
Football fans in Ashfield think that common sense in football is in short supply. What are the Government’s plans to protect our beautiful game inside and outside the stadiums?
Minister reply
The Government will take robust action if necessary to ensure this does not happen, as requested by my hon. Friend.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend convey the anger in Parliament at this proposal and encourage the Premier League to take strong action against these clubs?
Minister reply
I will convey that anger, support the Premier League in taking the strongest possible action, and consider further measures if necessary.
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Question
Can my right hon. Friend assure me that both his immediate response and the fan-led review will be far-ranging with nothing off the table?
Minister reply
Yes, I am happy to give this assurance: nothing will be off the table as these clubs are temporary custodians of something precious to our national identity.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend refer them to competition authorities, cut them off from public funds and look at tax status of image rights?
Minister reply
I agree with the right hon. Gentleman; we will be looking at all options and taking robust action if necessary.
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Question
Will football’s governing bodies stand firm against this European super league, control our borders to prevent people from entering the country if they are not playing matches sanctioned by sport’s governing bodies? Will fans be able to lead and go wherever they wish with this review?
Minister reply
We will consider controlling our borders as necessary. The fan-led review will be able to go where it needs to, and we are already moving towards allowing fans to take stakes in their clubs.