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Question
Congratulated Tracey Crouch on her work, thanked fans, and called for an independent regulator. She questioned the Government's commitment based on previous tweets and statements, seeking confirmation that both principle and detail will be accepted and enshrined in legislation. Asked about delays and timelines for a Bill, also inquired about discussions with Welsh clubs.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the shadow’s concerns but could not commit 100% to all proposals today due to the need for formal responses. Emphasised moving at pace and intended to proceed quickly.
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Question
Recognised her unique position as a sitting MP chairing the review, urging the Minister to accept recommendations as a package. Thanked fans who contributed to the review.
Minister reply
Agreed with Tracey Crouch and thanked her for extensive work. Emphasised moving at pace in formulating Government's response.
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Question
Praised Scottish teams’ success and governance changes, suggesting similar moves in England to counter oligarchic ownership. Questioned further actions against problematic investors like those at Newcastle United.
Minister reply
Acknowledged sport is a devolved matter but highlighted learnings from the review that could apply in Scotland too.
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Question
Welcomed the report and asked if the Government accept that an effective regulator must have real-time access to financial information about football clubs.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of adequate powers for the regulator and confirmed that such elements will be part of the package being considered.
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Question
Asked if the regulator must have real powers to redistribute funding to address financial discrepancies between leagues.
Minister reply
Agreed that the regulator needs adequate powers and mentioned that flow of finance recommendations will be considered in the response.
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Question
Asked if all stakeholders should work together to ensure Bury FC can return to Gigg Lane.
Minister reply
Agreed and offered support for efforts to bring football back to the historic stadium.
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Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
Asked if the Minister will have close negotiations with Scottish Government Ministers and consult Scottish fan base.
Minister reply
Confirmed ongoing constructive meetings and shared learnings with Scottish sports Ministers.
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Question
Complimented the review being fan-led and asked if fans will have both resource and legal capacity to exercise control.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that detailed elements including scope, powers, and resources need further work but supported in principle.
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Question
Asked if supporters will have both resource and legal capacity to exercise control, highlighting the importance of community ownership.
Minister reply
Confirmed that details including scope, powers, and resources need further work but supported in principle.
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Question
Asked if Minister will liaise closely with the Welsh Government considering five Welsh football clubs in English pyramid.
Minister reply
Confirmed close liaison and legislative consent from Welsh Government for any changes affecting clubs.
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Question
Praised the report and highlighted community importance of football clubs, suggesting co-operative ownership.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the community role of football clubs and encouraged football authorities to implement common sense recommendations.
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Question
Welcomed the report on football governance, emphasised the importance of successful league management and preventing money from entering sport under suspicious circumstances. Mentioned the need to stop people bringing in dodgy money into football.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the points made by Iain Duncan Smith; highlighted the unique nature of football requiring regulation due to its inability to reform itself. Emphasised the economic value of football, citing a report stating that inbound tourism for football matches was worth £1.4 billion to the UK economy.
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Question
Praised the review and highlighted Newport County as an example of community ownership benefits. Asked if the Minister would look at the model as an example for other clubs.
Minister reply
Agreed with Jessica Morden, praised the positive models like the one in Newport, emphasised the need to adopt successful co-operative models across the country.
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Question
Congratulated Tracey Crouch on her report and raised concerns about grassroots funding. Asked for more money from transfer fees to flow down to grassroots clubs.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Philip Hollobone's question, emphasised the importance of grassroots success in football finance ecosystem and mentioned existing changes moving funds from top tiers to lower tiers.
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Question
Pointed out disparities in resources between premier league clubs and smaller clubs. Asked for action on preventing unsuitable individuals or organisations from taking over football clubs.
Minister reply
Agreed with Peter Grant, highlighted the need to consider financial flows within sport as part of future regulatory environment.
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Question
Praised Tracey Crouch's report and mentioned local clubs in Worksop Town. Emphasised the importance of a partnership between fans and owners.
Minister reply
Agreed with Brendan Clarke-Smith, stressed the need for all clubs to take their responsibility towards fans seriously.
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Question
Complimented Tracey Crouch and pushed for a formal Government response detailing timelines.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Chris Elmore's urgency, mentioned ongoing work to respond formally to the report.
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Question
Praised Tracey Crouch’s report and highlighted small clubs in his constituency. Asked how recommendations could protect such clubs.
Minister reply
Agreed with David Johnston, emphasised the importance of putting smaller clubs on a sustainable footing.
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Question
Asked about the impact of lifting ban on drinking alcohol in stands and asked for measures to mitigate antisocial behaviour.
Minister reply
Agreed with Margaret Ferrier, mentioned a pilot programme as one of the recommendations rather than full removal.
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Question
Welcomes the new owners and directors test for clubs proposed in a review, which aims to prevent situations like that seen at Blackpool FC over the past decade.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of the current owners and directors test not meeting all expectations. The minister's hon. Friend (Tracey Crouch) has made recommendations which will be seriously considered. Praises new ownership changes for positively impacting clubs' position in their communities.
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Question
Praises the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) for her work on football club governance reforms. Questions how reforms will allow structured approach without stifling innovation, highlighting the balance between responsibility and encouraging investment in football.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the delicate balance required to encourage success and sustainability while ensuring responsible management of clubs' financial considerations.