(Newport East) (Lab)
5. What assessment she has made of the implications for her
policies of the recommendations on the financial sustainability
of football clubs in the fan-led review of football governance;
and if she will make a statement.
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
( )
The fan-led review of football governance identified financial
sustainability as a core issue affecting the game, which is why
the primary focus of the new independent football regulator will
be to improve clubs’ financial sustainability, to protect them
now and in the future. Further details will be set out in the
White Paper in the summer.
Newport County AFC is a leading Fair Game club and a great
example of how supporter ownership can bring about sustainable
financial and governance structures and excellent community
engagement; it is certainly true in the County’s case. With that
in mind, will the Minister meet Fair Game to discuss its proposal
for a sustainability index, which would overhaul the
parachute-payments system and reward responsible clubs that
demonstrate that they put their supporters first?
Ms Dorries
The regulator will be tasked with improving how clubs are
financially and operationally run. Improving corporate governance
and financial oversight will greatly reduce the likelihood of
financial distress and make football much more resilient and
sustainable for the long term. [Interruption.] The
Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport,
my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (), who is the Minister
responsible, has just whispered to me that he would be happy to
meet the hon. Lady.
(Dudley South) (Con)
I think the whole country is looking forward to the women’s
European football championships being held in England this
summer. That will provide a further boost for one of the fastest
growing sports in the country. Will my right hon. Friend join me
in welcoming the agreement that the FA has reached to
redistribute money from the Premier League to the women’s game,
and the fact that that will support grassroots football for women
and girls?
Ms Dorries
I am absolutely delighted to endorse my hon. Friend’s comments.
It will be a fantastic summer, with not just the Euro 22 women’s
finals, but the Commonwealth games; it will be a summer of sport.
It is a fantastic decision. Women in sport do not get enough
sponsorship, enough time on television, enough support, or enough
money. Pushing women in sport is a key priority of my Department,
and this is a great decision. We want to see more decisions like
that moving forward.
