Member

Amendment 228 would, first, introduce a test for the regulator to apply when considering whether to approve a significant change to a club’s home ground and other specified properties owned by a club. The requirement for clubs to seek prior approval of these changes is not in the Bill but is proposed by related amendments. I have already explained in addressing those amendments why the Government do not support this change, so I will not go through those arguments again. Secondly, the amendment would require the regulator to take reasonable steps to establish that the majority of the club’s fans agree before approving a disposal or change to the home ground or, based on the amendments, other specified properties belonging to the club. As I have said, we expect all clubs to consult and have regard to the views of fans on the specified relevant matters, including home grounds and business priorities, among other issues.