Overview

This bill aims to improve governance in English professional and semi-professional football. Key changes include increased transparency in club ownership, stricter owner vetting, fairer treatment of creditors in insolvency, and easier pathways for supporter ownership.

Description

The Football Governance (No. 2) Bill mandates that clubs in the top eight English leagues must publicly declare their ultimate beneficial owners, including details of trusts and community benefit societies. The Football Association (FA) gains the power to reject club ownership applications from individuals deemed unfit. The bill abolishes the "football first creditors" rule, ensuring all creditors are treated equally during club insolvency. Finally, it prevents leagues from creating rules that hinder supporters' groups from acquiring controlling stakes in clubs.

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the provided text. The implementation may involve administrative costs for the FA and potentially legal challenges, but no specific figures are given.

Groups Affected

• Football Clubs: Required to disclose ownership information and face stricter scrutiny from the FA regarding ownership suitability.
• Football Club Owners: Subject to greater transparency and a more rigorous "fit and proper person" test.
• Football Club Creditors: Will receive equal treatment in insolvency proceedings, eliminating preferential treatment for certain creditors.
• Supporters' Groups: The bill facilitates their efforts to gain ownership of their clubs.
• The Football Association (FA): Gains significant new powers to regulate club ownership.

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