Independent Football Regulator

Baroness Debbonaire Excerpts

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

The case involving Manchester City is an independent process concerning a breach of the Premier League’s rules. It is not for the Government to intervene, particularly as we know that an independent commission is currently considering the appeal lodged by Manchester City Football Club.

[Baroness Debbonaire (Lab)]

My Lords, as my noble friend the Minister mentioned, but it is worth repeating, the cost of the regulator is 0.2% of the value of a £9 billion industry, but the clue is in the name: it is an independent regulator. It was originally a Tory Bill but during the wash-up it failed to get through before the election. I am proud of the fact that a Labour Government have brought this in. I am sure that the noble Lord, Lord Harlech, like me, has read all 245 pages of the State of the Game report—as every noble Lord should; it is weekend reading. It provides crystal-clear evidence of why we need this regulator. It will be getting on with licensing in the coming weeks, which is a huge piece of work. I invite my noble friend the Minister to congratulate the Independent Football Regulator and the Secretary of State on bringing it in.

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

I am only too happy to accede to my noble friend’s request to congratulate the Independent Football Regulator on its report and the Secretary of State for her work in bringing this in.