, Labour’s Shadow Sports Minister has asked the
Conservatives to answer 10 essential questions ahead of football
fans returning to grounds
In a letter to Sports Minister, , Ms McGovern set out areas that need urgent
clarification.
The move follows the announcements made on Monday by the Prime
Minister that a limited number of fans would be allowed into
stadia dependant on capacity and ability to social distance and
ahead of a debate on the future of football later today.
During the debate, Ms McGovern argued football has a public
purpose because it serves fans and towns across the country as
vital community hubs – clubs are not businesses like any other
and they must survive the crisis.
The pandemic has brought the financial issues in football to the
fore but there have long been questions raised about finance and
governance. In the Conservative 2019 manifesto, a fan-led review
of football was promised. Labour has supported significant change
to the way the game is run since 2015.
, Labour’s Shadow Sport Minister, said:
“It’s time for the Conservatives to finally get ahead of this
virus when it comes to spectators attending sports events.
“Like all fans, we are keen to get supporters back into stadiums
in a safe way. Providing answers to these questions will help
build confidence.
“Communities need their local clubs to survive this crisis. They
are institutions with a public purpose alongside the finances.
They need their fans like their fans need them. Being prepared
and transparent will help us make this happen when it is safe and
allow clubs to plan.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- The Government announced a plan for fans returning to
stadiums in Monday’s Coronavirus update. See here.
- Last week, the Government announced a support package for
sports. See here.
- The Conservative 2019 manifesto promised a fan-led review of
football. See here.
Full text of letter
Dear Minister,
Re. Return of football supporters to stadia – important
questions
Further to the discussions we have had in Westminster Hall this
week, I am writing to you with a number of questions about the
return of fans to stadia. I am very conscious that we will debate
the future of football today, and whilst the long-term reform of
the national game is our important focus, there are many
immediate questions relating to recent Government announcements
on the return of fans to stadia. In the interest of fans, I would
be grateful if you could clarify the following as soon as
possible.
- What assessment has the Government made around making
grounds, as well as travel to and from stadia COVID safe? How
will social distancing be enforced on entrance, exit and after
supporters leave the ground?
- Will there be published restrictions or guidance for fans
travelling into and out of areas where games are taking place?
Early clarity will help supporters plan.
- Has the Government discussed the impact of the return of
supporters with governing bodies on competition? If different
clubs are in different tiers, this may well impact competitive
nature of sports, so what understandings have been agreed on
this? How will sports take into account the needs of clubs who
cannot have supporters through no fault of their own?
- Are we ready for a contraction of these new measures if
needed as areas face the possibility of moving into tougher
restrictions?
- Will women’s sport allow supporters to the same extent as
men, even despite commercial considerations? The development of
women’s sport is at risk during these uncertain times, so what
steps have been taken to make sure we don’t go backwards?
- The return of supporters cannot be an excuse for restricting
access to televised sport, so what agreements have you made with
broadcasters to enable the widest possible access for all
supporters?
- Have you taken steps to make sure that there cannot be
profiteering from the extremely restricted number of tickets
available for these events? What protections for supporters are
in place?
- Have you asked competition organisers or sports clubs how
they intend to allocate tickets for games supporters may attend?
Many season ticket holders will not be able to attend games they
have paid for, and whilst many are very sympathetic to the
position of clubs, will want clarity that there is a fair process
for deciding attendance.
- What account have you taken of the size of stadia in your
supporter number allocations? If you are not taking size of
stadia into account, why not?
10.Has the Government discussed future plans for increasing
supporter numbers? If so, what are the criteria? Will you make a
statement on this in the early weeks of January?
I think that answering these questions may serve to build trust
and confidence in the process of returning fans to the sports
they love. I hope that you will be able to answer them without
delay.
With best wishes,
Member of Parliament for Wirral South
Shadow Sport Minister
