Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Football

Monday 27 April 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is assessing the financial impact of the pandemic on professional football clubs.
  • Ministers are engaging with football governing bodies to ensure clubs can access government support schemes.
  • A 125 million advance fund for lower league clubs has been announced by the Premier League.
  • Sport England is offering a 20 million emergency grant to support clubs and community assets in financial distress.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Toby Perkins Lab Crewe
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Discusses the financial impact of the pandemic on football clubs and the support they need.

Question

What recent assessment has been made regarding the financial effects of the outbreak on professional football, and what steps is the Government taking to support football clubs during this period?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden

Football forms an integral part of the country and requires substantial support. Ministers are engaging with governing bodies to ensure clubs can access Government schemes; the Premier League announced a £125 million advance fund for lower leagues. The Secretary is in talks with the Premier League to restart football as soon as public health guidelines allow.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Toby Perkins Lab Crewe
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Emphasizes the importance of lower league clubs as community assets beyond being businesses.

Question

The Secretary acknowledged plans to restart Premier League matches. Can he provide details on measures aimed at protecting lower league and national league clubs, which are facing severe financial issues due to the pandemic?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden

Acknowledges the importance of supporting lower league clubs; restarting Premier League matches will help release resources through the system. A £125 million fund has been made available, and Sport England is offering a £20 million emergency grant to support clubs and community assets in trouble.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email