Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Independent Football Regulator

Thursday 16 November 2023 · 6 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government remains committed to establishing an independent regulator for English football to protect fans and ensure its financial sustainability.
  • The independent football regulator will have targeted statutory powers to intervene in financial distributions if necessary to bring the Premier League and the EFL together.
  • A shadow regulator is being put in place and the appointment of a chief operating officer is being advertised to ensure immediate functionality once new legislation is passed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South
Context

The question arises from the need for an independent body to regulate English football, aiming to prevent future financial crises similar to that faced by Bury FC. The issue has been brought up due to concerns about fan engagement and financial sustainability in football.

Question

I am concerned about establishing an independent regulator for English football to ensure fans are at the heart of the game and it has a sustainable financial future. What is her planned timetable for this?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

The Government remain committed to putting fans at the heart of football and ensuring its sustainable financial future. The football governance Bill was included in the King's Speech, and we intend to work closely with the Football Association, the leagues and fan associations to build the best independent regulator possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Planned timetable for establishing the regulator

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There are concerns over the lack of agreement between the Premier League and the English Football League regarding money redistribution, which is crucial for financial sustainability in football.

Question

While negotiations are ongoing between the Premier League and the EFL on money redistribution, what can she do to bring both sides together to reach an agreement?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

I understand my hon. Friend's concerns regarding money redistribution; I support his encouragement for football associations to reach an agreement, and if necessary, the independent football regulator will have targeted statutory powers to intervene on financial distributions as a last resort.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions she can take immediately

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Q3 Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There are concerns about the potential failure of the regulator to address complicated issues, as highlighted by Gareth Southgate. Additionally, there is worry that clubs such as Bury might face similar situations without immediate regulatory action.

Question

How will we ensure that the regulator gets it right, and can she assure swift implementation so more clubs do not go the way of Bury?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We are bringing in a regulator to protect fans. I have had conversations with leagues, parliamentary colleagues, and fans to ensure we get the regulation right. We committed to bring forward a fan-led review White Paper which we have done and announced the football governance Bill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to ensure correct implementation

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Q4 Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

There is interest in whether the independent regulator will include women's football. Additionally, the Carney review on women's football has been mentioned as an important document.

Question

Will she confirm discussions with the FA about including women's football in the independent regulator and when the Government intend to publish their response to the Carney review?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

I have regular discussions with the FA. At the moment, the regulator will cover the men's game but we met Karen Carney a week ago. Her review is important for women's football and sport, and our response to that report will be published very shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for publication of Carney review response

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Q5 Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There are concerns that the Premier League has tried to water down the powers of the regulator through late representations. This could affect the regulatory effectiveness.

Question

What was the Government's response to the Premier League's attempts to water down the powers of the proposed independent regulator?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We want to ensure we get the regulator right. It is essential that we protect fans and bring forward legislation. The legislation will strike the balance between protecting fans and ensuring our premier league remains a competitive, world-class sport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific response to Premier League representations

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Q6 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There are fears that an independent regulator might not be in place soon enough to prevent more football clubs from financial distress, like Scunthorpe and Reading. This prompts a call for immediate measures.

Question

What immediate action and interim measures is the Department taking to ensure an independent regulator can start functioning as soon as new legislation is passed?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We are putting in place a shadow regulator, and we have advertised for the appointment of the chief operating officer. As soon as legislation is passed, everything will be ready so that it can come into force immediately.

Answered
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