Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Football Governance: Fan-Led Review

Thursday 26 January 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government will publish a White Paper within the next couple of weeks regarding football governance.
  • The Secretary of State supports proper enforcement of current rules to prevent financial issues in football clubs.
  • The Government will ensure a regulator is in place to protect fan interests and ensure transparency.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Fan-Led Review of Football Governance has made recommendations for football reforms.

Question

Whether she plans to implement the recommendations of the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance. We are still waiting for progress between the Premier League and the English Football League on increased funding to the pyramid, which could avoid another Bury football club or Derby County scenario. Given that it may be 18 months before any new regulator is operational, what will she do in the interim?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We will publish a White Paper within the next couple of weeks. The Government urges football to act now because it is in its interests to safeguard clubs and protect fan interests.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions for the interim period were not addressed

How: Urges Football To Act Now

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Q2 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Fan-Led Review of Football Governance has made recommendations for football reforms.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that most football clubs in financial difficulties are already trading outside of competition rules? Does she believe proper enforcement of current rules can prevent these issues?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

The Secretary of State agrees with the question and supports the idea that rules should be enforced now. The Government will ensure a regulator is in place for transparency.

Answered
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Q3 Damian Collins Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Fan-Led Review of Football Governance has made recommendations for football reforms.

Question

Everton and other clubs are reportedly up for sale with financial problems. New owners lack independent checks, and there is no deal on financial distribution in the pyramid. Will the Secretary of State take responsibility for clubs that go under before a regulator is implemented?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

This Government has proven to be on the side of fans by committing to the review, providing £600-million during covid and preventing the super league. The White Paper will come forward within two weeks.

Not addressed: Specific responsibility for clubs failing before regulation is implemented was not addressed

How: Proven To Be On The Side Of Fans

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