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Cryptoasset Promotions in Sport

08 November 2022

Lead MP

Aaron Bell

Responding Minister

Stuart Andrew

Tags

EconomyTaxationBenefits & WelfareStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 9843
Other Contributors: 3

At a Glance

Aaron Bell raised concerns about cryptoasset promotions in sport in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Mr Bell asks the Government to work with relevant actors across sectors to ensure both statutory regulation and self-regulation in sport for cryptoassets, urging the Premier League to reconsider deals like the proposed £30 million arrangement with Sorare. He also requests that issues of cryptoasset promotion fall under the remit of a new independent regulator for English football.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
Mr Aaron Bell is concerned about the misleading promotion of cryptoassets by sports teams and players, the lack of consumer protection for fans investing in these assets, inadequate due diligence by clubs before entering into deals with crypto companies, and the monetisation of fan engagement through speculative investments. He highlights that nearly every Premier League club now has a crypto partner, and many have entered deals without proper regulation or acknowledgment of risks. Instances such as NFT schemes losing significant value and failing to deliver promised benefits are cited.

Government Response

Stuart Andrew
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Cummins. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Aaron Bell) for securing the debate. We both understand how important it is to protect the integrity of our sports as well as the fans, who are their lifeblood. In my first few weeks in this job I have been learning an awful lot, but I would say that in the last hour I have learned even more. Any innovations should be implemented responsibly, in line with any relevant regulation, and with transparency in how they are advertised and promoted. The Government's ongoing work on football regulation is committed to breaking the cycle of inappropriate ownership, financial instability and poor governance practices. Engaging with fans' groups goes wider than that, and the growing interest in, and promotion of, cryptoassets issued by sports clubs should clearly keep fans at the forefront. Cryptoassets can come in many forms, ranging from cryptocurrencies to non-fungible tokens. The Government are taking action on the regulation of cryptoassets and their promotion, including setting out our vision for the future of the financial services sector. In July, the Government set out our firm ambition to make the UK a global hub for cryptoasset technology and investment. We want to ensure that firms can invest, innovate and scale up in this country, and we have announced a number of reforms that will see the regulation of cryptoassets and aspects of tax treatment evolve. The Government's proposed measure to expand the scope of the financial promotion order to capture qualifying cryptoassets will bring most of these unregulated cryptoassets into financial promotions regulation. That forms part of our staged and proportionate approach to such regulation, which is sensitive to the risks posed and responsive to new developments in the market. We are actively monitoring the cryptoasset market and stand ready to regulate where necessary. The same is true for cryptoassets in sport. There is potential for cryptoassets to enhance fans' experience of sport and make them feel more a part of the clubs they love, but their use by clubs must be responsible and transparent about any risks involved.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.