That this House congratulates the Football Trust for its huge achievements, notably in helping professional clubs to implement the recommendations of the Taylor Report and to bring about the transformation of football grounds, providing venues that saw England host Euro 96 and which would be ready to host the World Cup Finals in 2006; notes that after investing ??400 million in the national game at all levels over the past 25 years the Football Trust is being wound up; welcomes the setting up of the Football Foundation as its successor body; and wishes the Foundation every success with its important work on grassroots football, community initiatives and ground improvements.

That this House congratulates the Football Trust for its huge achievements, notably in helping professional clubs to implement the recommendations of the Taylor Report and to bring about the transformation of football grounds, providing venues that saw England host Euro 96 and which would be ready to host the World...

That this House objects to the agreement where BSkyB Television will purchase Manchester United Plc; feels that this will create a unacceptable situation where BSkyB becomes both the biggest purchaser of televised football and also the owner of Europe's largest football club; is certain that this is not in the best public interest of fans, clubs or television viewers and sport in general; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to refer the proposed takeover to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in addition to setting up a full inquiry into the funding of football by television, in all its aspects.

That this House objects to the agreement where BSkyB Television will purchase Manchester United Plc; feels that this will create a unacceptable situation where BSkyB becomes both the biggest purchaser of televised football and also the owner of Europe's largest football club; is certain that this is not in the...

That this House welcomes the introduction of the Football Sponsorship Levy Bill on 7th April 1998 which will enable the growing financial divide in football to be addressed; recognises the vital part that smaller league clubs play in their communities, and their massive contribution in nurturing and developing talented players who are tomorrow's potential stars; and notes that the smaller clubs serve millions of people in hundreds of constituencies and the redistribution of broadcasting income would help to support these clubs, and their fans, and ensure that a proportion of football wealth is invested for the future.

That this House welcomes the introduction of the Football Sponsorship Levy Bill on 7th April 1998 which will enable the growing financial divide in football to be addressed; recognises the vital part that smaller league clubs play in their communities, and their massive contribution in nurturing and developing talented players...