Mp’s To Investigate Football Ownership
The government is set to investigate ownership in professional football in England and Wales to see if an intervention is required after so many teams are struggling financially.
The cross-party committee will examine whether there is too much debt in the professional game whilst also looking at the current ownership rules.
The fit and proper persons test that all buyers of clubs have to take will be looked over with a fine tooth comb and MP’s will speak to sports managers, club representatives and fans.
The move comes as so many clubs have been in financial troubles of late with Liverpool only just avoiding administration after being bought by New England Sports Ventures.
Portsmouth, Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday have all had debt problems this year and the government will look to address this problem with the new report.
The chairman of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, John Whittingdale, said: ‘There is widespread concern that the current governance arrangements are not fit for purpose.’
‘Our inquiry will look at the case for strategic government intervention and improved self-regulation and will consider models which involve supporters more in how clubs are run.’
