(Lab):...I think
it is a universal view that the governance of English football,
particularly the structure presently in place at the Football
Association, is in need of further reform. It was only after a
great amount of public and parliamentary pressure that we saw any
significant reforms made to the FA’s governance in 2017 to bring
it into compliance with UK Sport’s governance code. While these
reforms have provided positive moves in the right
direction—particularly with three out of 10 members of the board
now being women and a number of specific representatives for
black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and disability,
youth and women’s football now added to the council—the need for
reforms is still strong. More energy and action is needed if we
are to address the gaping holes that still exist in football’s
governance. The vast majority of the increasingly large FA
Council remains white, male and aged over 60—hardly
representative of the great diversity among our fans and, indeed,
players. Our eminent House of Lords Library has informed me that
as of 2018 the FA’s equality, diversity and inclusion plan shows
that only 5% of leadership roles are currently held by people
from BAME backgrounds...
(CB):...I
am delighted that Sport England recently launched a talent plan
which has strong links to duty of care issues. However, it is
only the girls’ game that is publicly funded in England, not the
boys’ game, and I would like to ensure that both sides have to
take the matter seriously...
(Con):...Issues of governance or ownership are other
matters of concern. Perilous financial difficulties, failing to
bring fans on board as custodians of their chosen club and
securing long-term home grounds are of relevance, and we have
heard them repeated today by several noble Lords. On
governance, the Government have been active in pushing the FA to
reform its structure and give the game the overall leadership it
requires. The sports governance code that came into force on 1
April 2017 applies to all sporting bodies in receipt of public
funding from Sport England and UK Sport. It challenged the FA and all other
governing bodies to demonstrate that they meet the highest
standards of governance and regulation. The code applies best
corporate practice...
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