The Petition of football supporters,
Declares that The Football League should exercise discretion in its application of its rules that has led to the 10 point deduction from Crystal Palace FC, and notes that unlike other football clubs penalised after seeking administration Crystal Palace FC was placed in administration against its wishes, and notes that Lloyds Banking Group has an important role to play in returning Crystal Palace FC to profitable trading by working on the ownership of Selhurst Park being returned to the club.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage The Football League to consider whether it should remove or reduce the points penalty meted out to Crystal Palace FC, and as a major shareholder in Lloyds Banking Group that it should ask the senior management of Lloyds Banking Group as to what action it is taking to reunite Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace FC so as to aid Crystal Palace FC in returning to profitable trading.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 30 March 2010; Vol. 788, c. 508.]
[P000808]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport:
It is naturally a worrying time for all those associated with Crystal Palace, and of course we understand the frustrations felt—not least by the supporters who remain the lifeblood of the club.
Football clubs remain an important part of the community, and every care should be taken to protect their long-term future through good financial management.
It is for the clubs themselves to ensure they manage their finances well, and for the football authorities to regulate the game to the highest standards.
Government are supportive of the measures that the football authorities have taken in recent years to strengthen the financial regulation of clubs and help monitor club debt. However, the issue of a points deduction is one for the relevant regulatory authority, in this case the Football League, not Government, to address.
We are delighted that an agreement in principle has been reached for the sale of the club and Selhurst Park to the CPFC 2010 Group and we hope this agreement can be finalised quickly to ensure the club can focus on the forthcoming season. The club has a proud history, built on the loyalty of its supporters, and we wish it the very best for the future.