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

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the fan-led review of football governance and the takeover of Manchester City Football Club and proposed takeover of Newcastle United Football Club, what discussions he has had with the Premier League on the importance of transparency and consistency in the approval of takeovers of Premier League football clubs.

Football clubs are the heart of local communities, they have unique social value and many possess a great history. It is vital they are protected.

The Premier League considers takeovers in line with the published criteria of their Owners’ and Directors’ Test. The same process is set out for all ownership changes in the Premier League.

The Government has committed to a fan led review of football governance, which will include consideration of the Owners’ and Directors’ test. The Secretary of State recently met with the Premier League and EFL to discuss the future of the national game, including governance, and will continue to work with them as we scope out the review.