Football Governance Fan-led Review 2021-05-20

2021-05-20

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
Context
The MP noted concerns over the relationship between football club owners and fans, citing recent attempts by certain clubs to form a breakaway European super league.
What steps is he taking to progress the fan-led review of football governance?
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.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Diana R. Johnson Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Context
The MP acknowledged Hull City's achievement in being league one champions but raised concerns over club owners' relationships with fans.
She congratulated Hull City on their achievements, highlighted issues between owners and fans, and asked about the extent to which fans will lead the fan-led review and when it would report back to the House.
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.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
The MP expressed frustration with the current football pyramid and demanded legislative changes to ensure proper ownership models.
He raised concerns about the disparity in the football pyramid, the need for corporate hands off football management, and requested guarantees that legislation would be enacted to support these demands.
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.
Assessment & feedback
Guarantees on legislative actions were not explicitly given; only a commitment to review was made.
This Is A Priority Under Review
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Zarah Sultana Your Party
Coventry South
Context
The MP highlighted the issue of fans being required to travel far for matches and supported fan ownership models like the German 50+1 rule.
She inquired about requiring clubs to secure a 50% plus 1 majority of season-ticket holders on major decisions such as moving grounds or forming new leagues.
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.'
Assessment & feedback
Confirmation on requiring 50% plus 1 support was not given; only review of governance structures was mentioned.
Under Review Exploring Options
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
Context
The MP criticized the Government's failure to progress with a fan-led review and requested an apology for missed opportunities.
He demanded an apology from the Secretary of State on behalf of the Government for failures and missed opportunities, and asked when the review would report back to the House.
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.
Assessment & feedback
Apology was not given; instead criticism of opposition was made.
Deflecting To Criticise The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Context
A local constituent had his dreams crushed after being released by a Premier League club despite promises, highlighting the broader issue of how clubs treat 98% of young people who do not make it as professional footballers.
My hon. Friend has raised an important point which I have discussed with him. One youngster in my constituency had his dreams crushed after being released by a Premier League club, despite promises. With the fan-led review into football under way, does the Minister agree that the review needs to incorporate how clubs treat young players who do not make it and equip them for life beyond football?
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.
Assessment & feedback
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Q7 Partial Answer
Alison McGovern Lab
Birkenhead
Context
There has been a Select Committee report and a Government response stating they would legislate 10 years ago, but no actual legislation was passed. The recent announcement of setting aside competition objections to preserve the status quo is met with scepticism.
Given that there was a Select Committee report and a Government response saying that they would legislate 10 years ago, it is a bit rich for the Secretary of State to claim swift action—but anyway, given the recent announcement about setting aside competition objections to preserve the status quo, will he confirm by the end of this Parliament we will see more money shift down the football pyramid?
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.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about redistributing more money down the football pyramid was not confirmed with a commitment or timeline
Conflating Two Issues
Response accuracy