Football Governance — [Julie Elliott in the Chair]

Football governance structures are failing at all levels, with clubs in the Premier League having too much power without being accountable to supporters. Alex Davies-Jones called for widespread reform and highlighted the need for support at grassroots level, citing the example of Wrexham's club takeover as a model that could be replicated.

Supports the need for an independent regulator to address financial issues in football, including competition and protection of club existence. Asks about legislation for fan veto, owner behavior constraints, and support for different ownership models. Highlights the importance of inclusion and fighting racism and misogyny.

Welsh teams within the English Football League pyramid face similar risks. Alun Cairns highlighted Barry Town United's experience with an owner withdrawing support and the club's successful legal battle to remain in the league, emphasizing the importance of fan control for local clubs. Pays tribute to the Minister's work on football governance issues and suggests engaging with fans outside England.

She expressed concern over the disconnect between football clubs and their communities due to ownership issues, advocating for fan ownership as a solution. She highlighted efforts by Supporters Direct to enable fans to start trusts and gain board representation.

Claudia Webbe opposed the European super league proposition due to its contravention of basic sporting principles, criticising wealthy club owners for their greed. She emphasised football's importance in providing a sense of belonging and civic pride, supporting fan ownership models such as 50+1 and an independent regulator.

He argued for the need of an independent regulatory body with powers to oversee financial management, intervene when necessary, and ensure sustainable operation. He suggested a regulator with special powers similar to those in broadcasting industries.

Helen Grant argued that English football governance is broken and needs fundamental reform, supporting an independent football regulator as proposed in the 'Saving Our Beautiful Game—Manifesto for Change' report. She emphasized the importance of a regulator funded by within football to change its culture, stressing the need for rebalancing the game to benefit grassroots and lower-league clubs alongside top-tier teams.

He agreed with Jim Shannon's points and raised concerns about the unsustainable wage structures in English football. He used Bury FC as an example, noting that despite having 3,000 to 4,000 fans per match, players were paid high wages. The hon. Member supports the need for change in football governance, emphasizing the importance of community identity linked to local football clubs such as Bury. He criticised the lack of care and support shown by major football clubs, the EFL, and the FA towards smaller clubs like Bury FC. He detailed financial mismanagement under a previous owner leading to insolvency, and the subsequent takeover that led to the club being expelled from the league.

Ms Hunt thanked constituents who signed petitions supporting football governance reform and praised Leicester City FC's efforts in local community support. She noted that while relationships with club owners can work well, meaningful dialogue with supporters should be legislated for, including a golden share model to protect a club's heritage.

He highlighted his long-standing support for Leicester City and emphasised that fans care about the integrity, history, and pride of their club rather than just the price of a ticket or the formation of a super league. He acknowledges great clubs like Leicester City but raises concerns about models like 50+1 potentially discouraging investment and impacting the competitiveness of English football.

John Martin McDonnell proposed immediate safeguards for supporters to protect their clubs' interests through legislation requiring 51% support from registered season ticket holders on major decisions. He also supported the adoption of the German 50+1 rule for supporter ownership, as well as the inclusion in legislation that at least 20 Premier League games a season should be shown on free-to-view channels.

Football is the national sport, with clubs being historic institutions in communities. The MP calls for a review to rebalance ownership structures in favour of match-going supporters, preventing rogue owners from buying clubs solely for their own gain. The Glazer family takeover of Manchester United resulted in significant debt but provided large dividends. Mike Ashley's ownership of Newcastle United is seen as detrimental due to his business model focusing on minimalism and low spending. An independent financial regulator should be recommended to protect against bad practices, ensuring the wider good of the game.

Mark Hendrick highlighted the disparity between wealthy clubs with billionaire owners and struggling local clubs, calling for a review of ownership structures to ensure responsible conduct. He proposed fan involvement on club boards and new methods for fans to take ownership, while also suggesting comparisons with other countries' league systems. Hendrick emphasized the need for a football regulator who can exercise powers through a licensing system to regulate and police the game properly.

Tranmere Rovers were unfairly relegated due to financial considerations, highlighting the need for an independent regulator in football governance. Tranmere has invested £60,000 in a local community facility and provided 50,000 meals during lockdown, demonstrating their role as community assets.

Ms Hopkins highlighted the importance of football clubs to communities, using Luton Town as an example. She emphasized that sports clubs are more than just businesses and should be protected and regulated for their community value. She also supported reforms proposed by the Labour party and called for measures to prevent further attempts at creating a European Super League.

She highlighted the symbolic importance of football clubs, particularly referencing AFC Wimbledon's journey from being stolen to becoming a fan-owned club. She praised the community work done by AFC Dons Local Action Group during the pandemic.

Zarah Sultana congratulated England's team for embodying multiculturalism and social consciousness, highlighting players' off-field contributions to anti-racism and supporting underprivileged children. She discussed financial disparities in football, noting the £900 million profits of Premier League clubs compared with over £400 million losses by lower division clubs.