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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria they have for foreign bodies (1) owning, and (2) investing, in football teams in England; and what measures they have in place to safeguard the interests of fans.

The ownership of football clubs is, and has historically been, a matter for the football authorities, not for HM Government.

The tests for ownership of clubs were raised in the report of the Fan-Led Review which recommended stronger tests independently administered by a new independent regulator.

HM Government is considering the recommendations of the Review, including those made on enhancing the existing owners’ and directors’ tests, and working swiftly to determine the most effective way to deliver an independent regulator.

We will issue a formal response to the Fan-Led Review in the coming weeks.