Football Governance: Fan-led Review

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Football is nothing without fans, so it has been a joy to see them back cheering on their teams this week, and we stand unequivocally on the side of fans. Our manifesto committed to putting them front and centre of our review of football governance and we are delivering on that. That is why I appointed my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch) as chair and, this weekend, I will announce the membership of the expert panel, which will include players, management, regulators and, of course, fans.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I thank the right hon. Lady for her question. First, of course, I join her in congratulating Hull City. She is absolutely right that football clubs form the heart of their communities and indeed our heritage. It is essential that fans play a significant role in the fan-led review, and I have been discussing that extensively with my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford. In terms of explicit engagement, the chair will be engaging extensively with supporter trusts and fan groups over the coming weeks, but there will also be a consultation process, which we will set out.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The points he made about the football pyramid are precisely why the terms of reference of the review, which we set out to the House, explicitly covered examining 'the flow of money through the football pyramid, including solidarity and parachute payments, and broadcasting revenue.' I have said before, and am happy to say again, that I have set up this review with someone who is genuinely independent in the form of my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The hon. Lady mentions the governance structures in other countries. The terms of reference of the review explicitly say that we will be exploring 'governance structures in other countries, including ownership models, and whether any aspects could be beneficially translated to the English league system.'

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I do not intend to apologise. I would have expected the hon. Gentleman to welcome the robust action that this Government took, standing behind fans and standing alongside the nation, in stopping these outrageous proposals. On the fan-led review, while Labour has talked for years and years, it is this Government who are actually delivering on it.

Answer from Oliver Dowden (Minister)

My hon. Friend raises an important point, which I have discussed with him. Clubs owe an obligation and a duty of care to the young people they work with, particularly those who do not make it as professional players. The Football Association has received a report on safeguarding and has committed to implementing all its recommendations, and we will hold the FA accountable for doing so.

Answer from Oliver Dowden (Minister)

The hon. Lady is conflating two issues about competition law and the Premier League. The Sports Minister has set out the Government's position in a written ministerial statement to secure football finances during a crisis period. We will all have an open mind as we get the response, but it is essential to ensure money keeps going into the game. My hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford is leading the review to address the issues raised by the hon. Lady.