Doncaster MP welcomes independent report into state of football in UK
The Labour MP has welcomed the State of the Game study
A Doncaster Labour MP has welcomed the publication of the Independent Football Regulator’s State of the Game Report, examning football in the UK.
Sally Jameson, Member of Parliament for Doncaster Central, has welcomed the publication, highlighting the importance of protecting football clubs, supporting fans and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the English game.
The landmark report, which marks an important step in building a more sustainable football pyramid, sets out several stark facts about the financial state of the game, including that:
• Two thirds of clubs are technically insolvent across the whole football pyramid, and 20% in the Premier League.
• The highest earning Premier League club now earns 605 times the revenue of the lowest earning National League club.
• English Football generated £9bn of Revenue in the most available financial year - 80% of this is concentrated in the Premier League.
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Commenting Ms Jameson said: “Football is about far more than what happens on the pitch. Doncaster Rovers and the Club Foundation are at the heart of our community.
“The Club brings people together across generations and makes an enormous contribution to local pride, identity and the wider economy.
“This is why the establishment of the Independent Football Regulator matters.
“The Labour Government has taken action to put football governance on a firmer footing, creating an independent regulator with the powers to promote financial sustainability, strengthen accountability and safeguard the heritage of English football.”
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said: “For years, football fans have lived with the anxiety of knowing their club could be one bad owner or poor month away from ruin.
“This report doesn’t just validate that anxiety, it blows the doors off the game, with the starkest picture yet of the true state of football club finances in England.
“These clubs belong to their fans. They are nothing without them. We are on their side, and we will always fight for them."