Football Governance Bill [HL]

Debate between Lord Goddard of Stockport and Lord Wood of Anfield

Committee stage
Wednesday 18th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Wood of Anfield (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Bassam, very much. My two teams are Liverpool and Tonbridge Angels of the National League South. One is an internationally competitive team—and the other is Tonbridge Angels; but place is crucial to both teams. If you are a fan of Liverpool from Los Angeles or Singapore, the place of Anfield and the locality and the community relationship are absolutely part of what it is you support. Home and away fixtures are a routine part of how the Premier League competition is conducted. That is why this is essential, not just to large clubs but to small clubs across the country.

[Lord Goddard of Stockport (LD)]

This issue has arisen before. The FA Cup is the oldest cup competition in the world, yet one club that held the title did not enter it the following season in order to play a match in the world championships in South America. Does the Minister think the regulator would have the power to prevent that happening in future? It is the kind of thing regulators should be looking at.

[Lord Wood of Anfield (Lab)]

I am grateful to the noble Lord. That is a very live issue as well, but I do not want to expand my amendment to that.

I am conscious of the time, so with those caveats, and with thanks to colleagues who have intervened, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.