News / Politics
Starmer visits Memorial Stadium to pledge football governance reforms
Keir Starmer visited Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium on Monday, promising to put fans “front and centre” with the newly announced Football Governance Bill.
The bill aims to give the Independent Football Regulator power to settle financial distribution disputes between the Premier League and the English Football League.
The bill also hopes to prevent a Super League-style breakaway from the top of the football pyramid.
is needed now More than ever
On his visit to the Mem, the Labour leader was joined by Thangam Debbonaire, who is likely to become minister for sport in a future Labour government if she wins the hotly contested Bristol Central seat in which Green challenger Carla Denyer is ahead in several opinion polls.
Gas Girls player Layah Douglas and Bristol Rovers CEO Tom Gorringe were among those greeting the politicians.
Starmer said: “In the face of continued threats of breakaways from some European clubs, we have to do this. On my watch, there will be no Super League-style breakaways from English football.”
Starmer and Debbonaire were given a tour of the ground, eventually making their way to the club shop where they chose what to be printed on the back of the famous blue and white quarters.
Both chose to have their shirts printed with the words ‘Change 24’ in a nod to Labour’s buzzword during this general election campaign.
Discussing the upcoming bill, Debbonaire said: “England’s football pyramid is the greatest in the world.
“The new Independent Football Regulator will ensure all its clubs are on a more sustainable footing so that fans can continue to share in the joy for generations to come.
“Football clubs are more than just a business; they are the pride of towns and cities across the country.
“In giving supporters a greater say in how their clubs are run and by strengthening owners’ and directors’ tests we will make England the best place in the world to be a football fan.”
Main photo: Hope Talbot
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