Labour will bring forward football governance reforms to put fans
“front and centre” if the party wins the general election, pledges today.
confirms today that Labour's
Football Governance Bill will help put football fans at the heart
of decisions over the future of English football and prevent a
super league-style breakaway from the top of the football
pyramid.
, a lifelong football fan,
confirms today that these commitments will be delivered by a
Labour government, saying “in the face of continued threats of
breakaways from some European clubs, we have to do this.” The
Labour leader adds: “On my watch, there will be no super
league-style breakaways from English football.”
The Labour leader makes the commitment on a visit to Bristol
Rovers' Memorial Stadium today with , Labour's Shadow
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
It follows the party's firm manifesto commitment to deliver a new
independent football regulator. Despite repeated promises, the
Conservative government failed to pass the legislation for an
independent regulator before Parliament was dissolved for the
general election.
has consistently called for
the introduction of an independent football regulator in recent
years, first advocating for the idea in April 2021.
Labour's manifesto – published last Thursday – commits to reform
football's governance to “protect football clubs across our
communities” and “make Britain the best place in the world to be
a football fan.” The manifesto also makes a clear pledge that “we
will never allow a closed league of select clubs to be siphoned
off from the English football pyramid.”
has visited a succession of
football league and non-league clubs during the general election
campaign, including Gillingham, Stafford Rangers, Worcester City,
Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra.
, Leader of the Labour Party,
said:
“Our football governance bill will put fans front and centre of
the debate over the future of English football.
“We are lucky to have historic football clubs at the heart of
communities across our country. But too often, clubs and fans are
being let down by the wild west within the football pyramid.
That's why we will legislate for the
long-awaited independent football regulator.
“In the face of continued threats of breakaways from some
European clubs, we have to do this. On my watch, there will be no
super league-style breakaways from English football.”
, Labour's
Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary,
said:
“England's football pyramid is the greatest in the world. The new
Independent Football Regulator will ensure all its clubs are on a
more sustainable footing so that fans can continue to share in
the joy for generations to come.
“Football clubs are more than just a business; they are the pride
of towns and cities across the country. In giving supporters a
greater say in how their clubs are run and by strengthening
owners' and directors' tests we will make England the best place
in the world to be a football fan.”
Ends
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