Written question asked by Lord Morris of Manchester (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2005.

Football Clubs: Ownership

Question: Whether, given their policy to protect and promote the interests of stakeholders, they are inquiring into the extent to which the interest of stakeholders in Manchester United football club are being protected in view of current developments affecting the future of the club.

Answer: The Government are committed to ensuring that all football clubs are run in the best possible way and that they remain a focal point of their local community, including for the clubs' supporters. However, ownership is a matter for the football authorities and clubs. In the case of Manchester United, it was for shareholders to decide on the merits of takeover proposals and independent competition authorities will look at the effects of any deal on competition. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will wish to consider whether the proposed takeover raises any competition concerns. Such consideration is a matter for the independent competition authorities. Ministers may only intervene in cases that raise specific "public interest considerations" as defined in the Enterprise Act 2002—presently relating to mergers in the defence sector and the media. While the Government have looked at football clubs, there are no plans to introduce an additional public interest consideration concerning football.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 139; 672 c44WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Football Clubs: Ownership
Monday, 27 June 2005
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Competition Ownership Takeovers Manchester United