Football Governance Bill [Lords] 2025-07-08

Proposes a series of new clauses to the Football Governance Bill: lifting the ban on alcohol consumption in top five tiers of men's football within one year; preventing regulated clubs from promoting gambling-related advertising or sponsorship; requiring ten Premier League matches, the League Cup Final, and playoff finals to be broadcast free-to-air; mandating a non-transferable golden share for fan representation; protecting club assets such as stadiums, training facilities, trophies, car parks, hotels; setting out measures against financial abuse, mismanagement, fraud; considering human rights and modern slavery in club decisions; addressing ticketing market practices; prioritising English football competitions; reviewing player welfare including neurodegenerative diseases caused by heading balls and game frequency; publishing correspondence between FIFA/UEFA and the Secretary of State or IFR regarding regulatory functions; reviewing the Independent Football Regulator if Department for Culture, Media and Sport is abolished.

I put on record my thanks to Lord Tebbit for his life of service to both our country and our party. He will be dearly missed by us all. In opening today’s proceedings, I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. It is a privilege to speak on Report for the countless fans who fill the stands week in and week out, wear their club’s shirt with pride and keep our clubs alive, come rain or shine. I put on the record my thanks to all right hon. and hon. Members for their contributions in Committee, and to everyone who has engaged with the process outside of Westminster. For all the high talk of regulators, quangos and corporate structures, let us never forget that football in this country is not an industry dreamed up by officials on neat PowerPoint slides or Excel spreadsheets, but a living tradition that is part of who we are and part of the fabric of our nation.

The shadow Minister emphasises the risk of political interference in sport and criticises the Government for appointing a Labour crony to be the new sheriff of football. He supports an independent football regulator promoted by his party, which focuses on long-term sustainability of the game.

The shadow Secretary of State is thanked for introducing legislation to promote an independent football regulator. He mentions concerns about regulatory scope creep and calls for transparency regarding costs and political interference.

Asks the shadow Minister what 'fashionable causes' football clubs should avoid speaking about. The shadow Minister responds that football must not be a mouthpiece for political causes but supports remembrance.

Argues that the Bill is an overreach by the government, emphasising that it would stifle clubs with red tape. Supports amendments for transparency in appointments and player welfare reviews.

Questions why the Conservative Party opposes a Bill they themselves wrote while in government, expressing confusion over their stance that football is being nationalised. Criticises inconsistencies in their arguments.

Suggests that alcohol sales should be addressed but calls for a comprehensive stakeholder approach rather than as an addition to the bill's primary objectives of finance and governance.

Welcomes the Bill but believes it could go further, particularly in making key fixtures from domestic football available on free-to-air TV. This would not undermine private broadcasters or devalue broadcasting rights, but rather encourage innovation and wider audience engagement without paywalls.

Raises concerns about the welfare of football players suffering from neurodegenerative conditions after their careers. Urges the regulator to support groups like Football Families for Justice in providing resources needed by those affected.

Acknowledges the seriousness of neurodegenerative disease among former football players and supports looking into this issue separately from the Bill. Emphasises that addressing player welfare is critical beyond the regulatory scope of the legislation.

The hon. Member supported the idea of free-to-air coverage for Premier League games to bring money into the sport through increased viewership, stressing that football is a community event and should be accessible to everyone regardless of their financial status.

The hon. Gentleman questioned whether implementing the Liberal Democrat amendment would impact existing broadcasting deals for EFL and Premier League matches. He argued that there could be a cost implication if matches are required to be shown on free-to-air channels.

The hon. Member spoke in support of new clauses 13 and 6, focusing on the need for a neurodegenerative care scheme to support former players suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease caused by their career in football.

Supports new clause 13, which seeks to establish a care scheme for ex-players with neurodegenerative conditions. It highlights the inadequate support currently provided by the Professional Footballers Association and raises concerns about the exploitation of players' funds. Emphasises the need for independent expert panels to assess eligibility and ensure proper care and financial support for affected individuals.

Supports new clauses related to protecting footballers from financial abuse and ensuring fair ticket sales. Highlights the issue of rising ticket prices pricing out working-class fans and supports mandatory vetting of foreign financial investment in football to prevent 'sportswashing' by regimes with poor human rights records.

Compliments the Bill for its efforts to ensure fairer distribution of money throughout the football pyramid and for providing powers to the regulator to deal with irresponsible owners. Thanks the Minister for addressing concerns about regulatory backstop powers.

Welcomed the investigation by the EFL into what is going on at Hillsborough, expressed concerns over financial stability and transparency of club owners such as Chansiri. Criticised the lack of immediate regulatory intervention, urging for a clearer understanding of the situation and more support from both the council and the league.

Supported new clauses 3 and 4 that aim to increase fan engagement in football clubs. Emphasised the importance of football in his personal life and community, advocating for free-to-air broadcasting to make games more accessible to fans. Highlighted the need for a golden share mechanism to ensure genuine representation of fan voices within club governance.

Expressed support for the Bill that promises an independent regulator for financial sustainability in football clubs. Highlighted the importance of grassroots football and community spirit, particularly with regard to Doncaster Rovers. Raised concerns about lack of post-career support for players suffering from neurodegenerative diseases linked to their football careers.

Supports new clause 13 and amendment 29 to address the issue of former football players suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Cites research showing retired footballers are more than three times likely to suffer dementia compared to general population, highlighting the need for competition organisers to provide funding towards a neurodegenerative care scheme.

Congratulates the Secretary of State on bringing the Bill to this point. Supports new clause 13 and amendment 29, calling for identification of sports fans and their role in regulating the game. Emphasises the need for protection against profit-driven ventures that could harm clubs.

Supports amendments 10 and 11 to designate a club’s home ground as an asset of community value. Stresses the importance of protecting stadiums that are part of a club's identity and community ties.

Welcomes the Football Governance Bill, citing Derby County’s near-collapse in 2021 as an example for stronger oversight. Emphasises the importance of preventing unfit individuals from running clubs.

Intervenes to support Clive Efford's comments, highlighting that the Bill provides financial oversight and increased fan involvement. Criticises Opposition Members for opposing these principles.

The sale of Reading football club has brought relief but also frustration as it should not have been necessary to fight so hard. Since 1992, over 50 clubs have gone into administration due to governance failure and lack of regulation. The Bill's aim is to prevent such situations with stronger regulatory powers including disqualifying unfit owners and forcing divestment when necessary.

Supports the Independent Football Regulation Bill, pointing out that 80% of fans support it while recent polling has shown a low approval rating for the Conservative party on this issue. Calls for reflection from the Conservatives about their position.

Expresses distress over the ongoing struggle of Morecambe FC, with unpaid wages leading to financial difficulties for staff and players. The current owner’s delays in completing the sale are causing significant problems, emphasising the need for independent regulation to prevent such situations.

This is a great Bill that will improve football and the financial stability of clubs, but I want to raise the failings of the great game of football with regard to the financial wellbeing of players. These amendments seek to address ongoing financial grooming and disregard for player welfare in the football industry. My amendment 12 seeks to safeguard the current and former players involved in English football who have been victims of financial abuse, mismanagement or fraud.

This hugely overdue Bill has wide support from fans and communities across our country. The Opposition’s baffling approach to the legislation was evident in their amendments that increase the scope and responsibility of the regulator, which would also increase the cost for clubs.

Supports the need for better football regulation and highlights agreement across the football pyramid. Mentions her constituency's football club, Crystal Palace, which recently won an FA Cup.

Concludes that the Bill is necessary to keep football clubs at the heart of their communities, referencing his own experience with Southend United's near-disappearance due to mismanagement.

The Government is under investigation for appointing a Labour crony as chair of the Independent Football Regulator, which raises questions about transparency and politicisation. The Opposition supports amendments to ensure transparency in future appointments and opposes the current Bill's approach to football governance.

The Opposition will press New Clause 1 for a Division because it seeks to end cronyism over clubs and favours over fans, aiming to treat football fans with respect. The Government's approach is seen as a nanny state and the Opposition believes this highlights whose side the Government truly stands on.

The Opposition will press New Clause 3 for a Division to mandate free-to-air coverage of key football matches, aiming to ensure that football fans have access to live broadcasts without discrimination. The Government's stance on this issue is criticised as outdated and lacking respect for the fans.

The Opposition will support amendments to increase transparency in future appointments of the Independent Football Regulator, ensuring that political interests and donations are declared. The Government's lack of commitment to these principles is criticised as harmful to football governance.

The Opposition cannot support the Bill as it stands, believing it risks harming English football by not addressing key issues such as transparency in appointments and fan rights adequately. The Government's promises are seen as insufficient to address the historical neglect of fans.

The speaker criticises the Bill for its potential to replace financial mismanagement with political interference and poor governance with red tape. He mentions the risk of creating a quango that grows without real scrutiny or accountability, arguing it will strangle English football's growth while increasing costs for smaller clubs and fans.

The speaker interjects with a humorous comment 'They think it’s all over!', suggesting an end to the debate or the Bill's passage.