Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Dubs (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 10 March 2010.

Sport: Football Clubs

Question: I am grateful to my noble friend for that Answer. Is he aware that Portsmouth and a number of other football clubs are currently in serious financial difficulties; that British fans pay among the highest admission charges in Europe; that the money that many clubs take at the gate is pretty well all absorbed by the weekly wage bill; that some owners treat the clubs like playthings; that the Glazer brothers bought Manchester United with borrowed money and may damage that famous club through their efforts to recoup; and that we do not even know who owns Leeds United? It is a mess. Does he agree that British fans and British players deserve better than this? Will he encourage the football authorities to introduce a better system of voluntary regulation? Failing that, maybe the statutory path is the way we should go?

Answer: My Lords, I can go two-thirds of the way with my noble friend. I certainly believe that the supporters of British football clubs deserve better. I also believe that it is the responsibility of the authorities to seek and provide better self-regulation. It is wrong to say that there have not been messages from government or, indeed, that there has been a lack of action. The football authorities have recently made significant moves to toughen regulations with early warning systems on tax debts, the introduction of transfer embargoes and help to monitor and curb club spending. I should like to pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Mawhinney, who is in his place, and to the noble Lord, Lord Triesman, both distinguished Members of your Lordships’ House, who play a part in trying to bring that better self-regulation. We will continue to advise and assist, but it is not for the Government to regulate football. It is for the governing authorities and it is for the clubs to manage themselves.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 718 c242-3
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Related items: Sport: Football Clubs
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Clubs Finance Football Regulation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk