Statutory Football Commission

EDM number 1739 in 2002-03, proposed by Tony Banks on 14/10/2003.

That this House believes that no FA, Premier or Nationwide League club, whether publicly or privately owned, should have its ownership transferred until the proposed new owners have fully complied with bona fide tests in respect of personal and financial background, resource availability and future plans for club development; further believes that a football commission should be established with statutory powers to oversee any takeover, intervening where necessary and with its membership drawn from Government, the football authorities, the Professional Footballers Association and supporters; proposes that the Football Commission should have power to require any proposed owners to lodge surety bonds and that the Commission's funding should be by way of levy on broadcasting and merchandising rights; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to introduce the necessary primary legislation as soon as possible.

This motion has been signed by a total of 26 MPs.