Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to his response on fan engagement to the petition on Premier League process transparency presented by the hon Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central on 9 September 2020, Official Report, col 737, what his policy is on the (a) level and (b) type of engagement with the Premier League that should be available for fans who perceive potential discrimination in the treatment of their clubs by the Premier League.

Football clubs are the heart of local communities, they have unique social value and many possess a great history. It is vital they are protected and fans’ voices heard.

The Premier League has clear procedures for member clubs following their decision making processes. Fans can contact the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) which was created in July 2008 by the football authorities, including the Premier League, with the agreement of the Government. The IFO was established to receive and adjudicate on complaints which have failed to be resolved by football clubs or the football authorities.