Minister for Sport (): I wish to inform the
House that the Government has today launched our targeted
consultation on the statutory deadline for the Football
Governance Act's Owners' and Directors' tests. We have invited
responses from the relevant competition organisers, clubs, the
Football Association, the Football Supporters Association, and
other appropriate individuals and organisations.
Football lies at the heart of our nation and it touches the lives
of so many of us across the country. Football clubs are treasured
not just by their fans, but also by their local communities. That
is why it is absolutely vital that only suitable owners and
officers are allowed to be the custodians of these community
institutions.
As the Government set out in the Act, the Independent Football
Regulator (IFR) will have the power to test owners and officers
to ensure they are fit and proper persons to be running a
football club. As part of these tests, the Secretary of State
will produce regulations specifying how long the IFR can take to
make a determination on the suitability of new owners and
officers. The responses to this consultation from key
stakeholders will help us to set an appropriate deadline that
works for the IFR and the industry. In particular, ensuring that
the IFR has sufficient time to perform robust tests, without
burdening the industry with a lengthy and bureaucratic approval
process that might put clubs at risk or deter investment.
I want to thank all the fan groups, clubs, leagues, football
bodies and industry experts who have engaged with the Government
so far and encourage those that have been contacted to share
their views.
