Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Fan-led Review and Football White Paper

20 February 2023 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Stuart Andrew Con Daventry

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Stuart Andrew raised concerns about fan-led review and football white paper in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister for Sport, Stuart Andrew, announced the publication of a football governance White Paper.
  • The White Paper aims to reform and strengthen financial and governance structures of English football.
  • The statement highlights issues such as overspending by clubs and lack of scrutiny.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Stuart Andrew

The Minister for Sport, Stuart Andrew, announced the publication of a football governance White Paper that aims to reform and strengthen the financial and governance structures of English football. The statement acknowledges the need for significant reform in response to the fan-led review's findings on unstable financial incentives and poor corporate governance, which threaten club stability and risk cultural heritage damage. He highlighted issues such as overspending by clubs, lack of scrutiny from ownership, and industry self-regulation weaknesses. Andrew committed to protecting football clubs from unsustainable practices through improved regulations and emphasised the importance of reaching an agreement on financial redistribution for the football pyramid. The minister also promised a full announcement with detailed reform proposals in due course.

Other contributors (17)
  • Lucy Powell Lab Co-op Manchester Central

    Question

    Powell questioned why the White Paper was not published earlier, highlighting that it was ready before recess and criticised the Government's delay in implementing the fan-led review recommendations. She stressed the need for an independent regulator due to increasing instability among clubs.

    Minister reply

    Andrew defended the delay by stating that thorough consideration is necessary to address complex issues without damaging commercial success. He mentioned extensive stakeholder consultations, including external advice from regulators' establishment experts.

  • Damian Green

    Question

    Green asked about the Government's plans for football reform and legislation timing.

    Minister reply

    Andrew confirmed that the White Paper will be published on Thursday and assured that parliamentary time will be considered at pace to implement necessary reforms.

  • Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East

    Question

    Betts urged the Minister not to deflect attention from the football league's need for urgent reform due to financial mismanagement and lack of Premier League cooperation.

    Minister reply

    Andrew acknowledged Betts' concerns but promised that the White Paper would address these issues satisfactorily.

  • Nicola Richards

    Question

    Richards asked about ensuring enhanced roles for supporters groups in football governance when the White Paper is published.

    Minister reply

    Andrew paid tribute to Richards' work with fans and confirmed that their input was considered crucial during the development of the White Paper.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    Question

    I am concerned that the Minister has implied he listened to owners more than fans. Football faces challenges like bad governance and institutionalised unfairness of income distribution, with most television revenue going to Premier League clubs despite EFL games having higher attendance.

    Minister reply

    The accusation is rejected; I have spent more time listening to fans and football authorities than to club owners.

  • Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

    Question

    Will the independent regulator be able to compel clubs to cooperate with the Premier League and authorities during investigations?

    Minister reply

    The reforms will address such issues, but I cannot comment on specific ongoing investigations.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham

    Question

    What is the Government's commitment to implementing all 10 recommendations of the fan-led review?

    Minister reply

    The content of the White Paper will address these issues, and I cannot commit beyond that until it is published.

  • Anna Firth

    Question

    Will the Minister meet me to discuss what can be done for Southend United facing financial difficulties? Will the upcoming White Paper address unfair redistribution of Premier League solidarity payments?

    Minister reply

    I would be happy to meet her and confirm that the White Paper will take such issues into consideration.

  • John Cryer

    Question

    When will we see implementation of the White Paper in primary legislation, given clubs are already facing financial difficulties?

    Minister reply

    We have taken considerable time to ensure this is done right; it will be published and implemented when parliamentary time allows.

  • James Duddridge

    Question

    Can we involve the broader community in supporting football clubs, particularly Southend United's development project?

    Minister reply

    Addressing such issues is precisely what we sought to do with the White Paper; I hope he will be satisfied when it is published.

  • Ian Byrne Lab Liverpool West Derby

    Question

    What assurances can you give that the White Paper places supporters at the heart of decision-making and ensures their voices are heard?

    Minister reply

    Fans have been foremost in my thoughts when working on the White Paper, ensuring they are placed at the heart of it.

  • Simon Clarke

    Question

    Will the White Paper address robust tests for ownership (especially foreign), parachute payments, and timely legislation?

    Minister reply

    The White Paper will address these issues; I will emphasise his point regarding legislative timing.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Question

    Will the White Paper cover all measures including an independent regulator and fan involvement in stadium changes, and can they be made law this year?

    Minister reply

    Many of these issues are included in the White Paper; we will take careful consideration of all points.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Does he agree that an owners and directors test is a workable solution to ensure sophisticated business regulations?

    Minister reply

    The owners and directors test is an important element of the White Paper, ensuring custodianship of community assets.

  • Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

    Question

    Is there merit in a more stringent fit and proper persons test for new club owners?

    Minister reply

    Yes.

  • Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

    Question

    The MP wishes the Minister success for attending the Newcastle United league cup final. She criticises the Premier League for unsuitable, unaccountable ownership and poor treatment of fans, asking whether an independent regulator will be instituted in the White Paper to give real power to fans in football by the start of next season.

    Minister reply

    The Minister expresses his anticipation to attend the match and mentions a list of people wishing to join him. He acknowledges Chi Onwurah's advocacy for fan representation, referencing other MPs such as Sara Britcliffe who have raised similar issues regarding Accrington Stanley FC. The Minister assures that fans' voices are being heard throughout the White Paper process and will be reflected in its final publication.

Shadow Comment

Lucy Powell

The shadow Minister, Lucy Powell, criticised the Government's delay in publishing the White Paper and accused them of wasting time that clubs are urgently needing. She stressed the urgency for an independent football regulator to ensure club stability and protect fans' interests. Powell cited recent incidents such as Bury FC collapse and Derby County near-collapse, highlighting the growing need for reform. The Labour Party remains committed to implementing the recommendations fully and urged the Government to take responsibility for any future failures due to their delay.

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