Football Governance — [Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair]

The MP discusses the complexity surrounding Bury Football Club, noting that while there were issues before individuals of concern became involved, the Taylor Review demonstrates that rules need changing to give the EFL power to deal with such situations.

The MP discussed the importance of regulation in football, particularly regarding ownership issues and financial stability during the pandemic. She highlighted the need for a fan-led review to address structural problems within the game and ensure clubs' survival through critical times like the current pandemic. Is the Minister able to put the review's terms of reference into the public domain?

Wakeford expressed concerns over the detrimental effects of certain ownership methods on football clubs and communities, citing Bury's demise as an example. He highlighted the absence of a fit and proper person test for club owners in lower leagues and advocated for fan involvement in governance to ensure their interests are represented. Although I welcome the announcement on tiers 1 and 2, areas such as mine are anticipating going into tier 3. Will the Minister ensure that football can come home for Christmas?

Mr Collins highlighted the unresolved issues in football governance, emphasizing the need for financial sustainability and community involvement. He criticized the fractured nature of the sport with different sets of rules among the Premier League, Football League, and FA, leading to a lack of accountability and regulation. He proposed the creation of an independent regulator with statutory powers, similar to models in Spain, France, and Germany, to ensure compliance with financial regulations. He highlighted the issue of football clubs being regulated by their peers, leading to a lack of external oversight and accountability. He cited Bury Football Club as an example where such governance failed. I think we are all pleased to hear the Government say that there are conditions under which fans can come back, but does the Minister agree that it could be unfair for clubs without their fans to compete against those with them? What financial compensation will be available?

The EFL had no interest in protecting the interests of thousands of Bury fans and disregarded the social and economic impact of abandoning the club. Does the hon. Gentleman think there is a strong case for financially powerful and sustainable clubs, such as Manchester United, taking a charitable view with neighbouring clubs that are struggling financially and need direct help? Bury is approximately half an hour from Old Trafford. Daly discussed the impact of losing Bury football club on the local community. He argued for statutory regulation to protect fan interests, especially in light of unsustainable business models and financial mismanagement by club owners.

Madders highlighted the disparity between grassroots football funding and commercial revenue in the Premier League, noting that despite £600 million invested in grassroots over two decades, this is less than one transfer window expense. He also criticised the ownership model at Manchester United, where £1 billion has been extracted by owners since 2005, suggesting such practices should be banned for future reforms. Madders expressed concern over Project Big Picture's preferential voting rights proposal, which he felt would entrench an uneven playing field and pave the way for a European super-league.

Zarah Sultana highlighted the importance of Coventry City Football Club to the community, emphasizing the need for fans to have a greater say in club governance. She cited examples where financial instability and lack of ownership led to the club playing matches outside of Coventry, affecting local fans. Additionally, she expressed concern over the financial impact of the pandemic on the English Football League and called for government support and reforms that prioritise fan involvement.