Football Club Governance Fans’ Views 2023-03-09
2023-03-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for fans' views to be considered in football club management, referencing a White Paper that outlines plans for an independent regulator.
What steps is she taking to help ensure the views of fans are taken into account in the running of football clubs?
Fans are absolutely at the heart of football. We are introducing an independent regulator for English football clubs which will put fans back at the centre of how football is run. The regulator requires every club to meet a minimum standard of engagement and ensures that fans have veto rights on issues such as a change of badge or home shirt colour, and are consulted on any stadium sale.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question references the Blackburn Rovers Supporters Trust's involvement and disappointment with aspects of the White Paper regarding shadow boards and golden shares.
I agree with the Secretary of State. The Blackburn Rovers Supporters Trust is integral to Blackburn's community, welcoming most aspects of the White Paper but disappointed that the Government did not make shadow boards or the golden share a requirement of the IREF's licensing system. Will the Secretary of State consider making shadow boards a minimum requirement for the football regulator's licensing system?
What the hon. Lady says about football clubs being at the heart of their community is true across the country. Our reforms ensure that fans have an integral say in matters affecting them. We see shadow boards at premier league level, and I am confident our changes will give fans a greater say in football.
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Assessment & feedback
Making shadow boards mandatory
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question highlights the issue of financial stability for football clubs, referencing a recent case with Derby County.
Can the Secretary of State outline to the House how the independent regulator will help with the financial sustainability of clubs, and how it will limit the power of owners who might gamble with their club's future?
The hon. Member makes an important point. Financial stability is one reason we have brought in an independent regulator to ensure clubs are stable and not destroyed, which then destroys communities. The independent regulator will ensure financial stability and there will be owners' and directors' tests to ensure that we know who owns clubs and that they have the funds to maintain them.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy