Securing the future of football in England

That this House welcomes the Government-initiated fan-led review of football governance, but insists that it is used as an opportunity to rebalance the current ownership structure in the favour of match-going supporters; notes that it is imperative that the review must be genuinely fan-led as the Government has promised, with accredited supporters’ trusts at the forefront; believes that supporters must be empowered with an immediate 50 per cent plus one share law, that would require all Premier League and English Football League clubs to secure a 51 per cent majority of their registered season ticket holders on any decision that fundamentally affects the club’s identity or future; acknowledges that a move towards supporter ownership of clubs cannot be achieved overnight, and that the Government and the game’s authorities need to adopt that as the long-term direction by creating a legislative framework to support it; believes that accredited football supporters’ trusts should have the power to be able to appoint and remove at least two club directors and be given first refusal on purchasing shares when clubs change hands; further notes that the only way to secure the overall health of English football is for the Government to ensure that there is an independent financial regulator for all professional leagues and clubs; notes that the sad demise of several much-loved football league clubs over recent years highlights the inadequacy of the current arrangements; and calls on the Government and the game’s authorities to ensure the suitability of those who seek to take ownership of football clubs.