MPs to debate petitions relating to football governance
10 June 2021
On Monday 14 June, MPs will debate petitions relating to football governance.
- Watch the debate (from 6.15pm, Monday 14 June)
- Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate)
- Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #FootballGovernanceDebate
The debate will be led by Petitions Committee member Jonathan Gullis MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport and Tourism, will respond on behalf of the Government.
Enforce the “50+1” Rule for professional football club ownership in the UK
The petition, which has more than 106,000 signatures, states: “Bring in a law which enforces professional football clubs to have at least 51% fan ownership similar to how the Bundesliga operates this rule.”
In response to the petition, the Government said: “The European Super League proposals demonstrated now is the right time to launch the fan-led review of football governance. This will be a comprehensive examination of the English football system.”
Introduce an Independent Regulator for Football in England by December 2021
The petition, which has more than 142,000 signatures, states: “The Government should use the recently established fan led review of football to introduce an Independent Football Regulator in England to put fans back at the heart of our national game. This should happen by December 2021.”
In response to the petition, the Government said: “Football clubs are the heart of local communities and have a unique social value, which is why we are proceeding with our commitment to undertake a wide ranging, fan led review of football governance.”
What do petitioners think about how football is run in England?
Ahead of this debate, the Committee surveyed petitioners to seek their views on how football is run in England, and on actions the Government is considering as part of its fan-led review of football governance.
Key findings include:
- 91% of our survey respondents told us they were ‘highly concerned’ about protecting the ‘football pyramid’
- Concerns about how revenue is shared between the leagues were largely shared by fans, no matter what league their club competes in
- Many respondents called for fans to be given a formal role in the running of their club
- There was widespread support for measures being considered by the Government’s fan-led review, including independent regulation
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one, or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Further Information
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