Lucy Powell responds to the publication of the football white paper

Lucy Powell MP, Shadow DCMS Secretary, responding to the publication of the football white paper, said:

“Labour has long recognised that football clubs are more than businesses and called for football to be put on a stable footing, with an independent regulator and proper say for fans. Football reform has support across Parliament, and across the country.

“In the 15 months it’s taken the Government to finally publish a football white paper, Derby County nearly went under, Oldham Athletic was relegated, Chelsea changed hands and Manchester United, Newcastle, Liverpool and Bournemouth were all put up for sale. The Premier League and EFL still haven’t reached a deal on finances. And now a European Super League 2.0 is back on the table. 

“Fans are desperate for a say on the future of their clubs and the game. We can afford no further delay. The Government should urgently bring forward legislation, or take responsibility for any clubs that go under, spiral into decline or which are bought by unsuitable new owners, in the years they’ve wasted bringing the regulator.”