House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Football Clubs: Covid-19 Restrictions

Thursday 24 September 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

The financial effect of covid-19 restrictions on football clubs has been assessed, with many clubs facing significant losses due to lack of match day revenue.
Government discussions are underway with major sports bodies, including football governing bodies, to provide support to clubs in financial distress.
A letter was sent initiating formal discussions and requesting details of financially threatened clubs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damian Collins Con

Culture, Media & Sport

Context

Football clubs across the UK are facing financial challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. Recent government decisions have delayed the reopening of stadiums, exacerbating these issues.

Question

What assessment has been made of the financial effect of covid-19 restrictions on football clubs? Many clubs in my constituency face significant losses without match day revenue and immediate support is needed to prevent financial ruin.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Football clubs are central to communities, and significant support has been provided. The Government is working quickly with sports bodies to understand current challenges and assess further support needed, focusing on those most affected by the restrictions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for a specific guarantee of public funding, but no concrete commitment was made.

How: Will Work At Pace With Sports To Understand Issues Faced

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Q2 Damian Collins Con

Culture, Media & Sport

Context

Many football clubs in the Football League face imminent financial ruin due to ongoing pandemic restrictions and lack of match day revenue.

Question

The Government have offered £1.5 billion to arts organisations, recognising their cultural value. Will public money be made available for Football League clubs facing financial ruin? There is no prospect of immediate return of fans or match day revenue.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Discussions are underway with major sports bodies, including football governing bodies. A letter was sent yesterday initiating formal discussions and requesting details of financially threatened clubs, with more information expected in due course.