FSA brings MPs together in support of Football Governance Bill

The Football Supporters’ Association hosted Football Governance Bill: What next? in Parliament on Tuesday as around 30 new MPs and Peers met to discuss the incoming legislation – joined by EFL chair Rick Parry and FSA chair Tom Greatrex.

The long-awaited Bill could change the landscape of the game – giving greater protections to clubs, improving supporter engagement and stopping domestic clubs joining any potential breakaway European Super League.

The legislation was delayed due to July’s general election but new culture minister Lisa Nandy has already said it is “personal” for her and a “top priority” – this was further confirmed by its inclusion in July’s King’s Speech.

King’s Speech: “A bill be introduced to establish an independent football regulator to ensure greater sustainability in the game and strengthen protections for fans.”

As expected it’s back on and we look forward to working with Govt & all MPs to get the bill across the line ⚽ pic.twitter.com/BJkqfIRKmE

— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) July 17, 2024

The event looked at ways in which MPs, Peers, clubs and football supporters can help ensure the Bill delivers upon its promises by protecting the game and strengthening the fans’ voice.

“This is a huge, generational opportunity to change football for the better and we look forward to working with MPs and Peers across all parties to deliver upon that promise,” said FSA chair Tom Greatrex.

With so many new MPs taking their place in Parliament after the General Election Football Governance Bill: What next? also represented a great opportunity for the FSA to get to know those new MPs with an interest in football.

The FSA was secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Football Supporters in the last Parliament and this meeting represented the inaugural meeting of the new group. The group aims to represent the interests of match-going football fans and to support the aims and objectives of the FSA.

Previous chair Ian Mearns stepped down at the last Parliament and MPs elected Ian Lavery MP as prospective new chair – a full list of officers and members will be published once the APPG has been formally registered with the Parliamentary authorities.

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