Member

I finish with the question of whether Clause 49 stand part of the Bill. A club’s name, home shirt colours and crests are intrinsic parts of its heritage, intertwined with decades of club support history. The decision to materially change any one of them is therefore one that requires considered thought and consultation. This clause requires a club to establish that a majority of domestic supporters approve any material changes to its badge or predominant home shirts. This means that the changes can still be made, but only if and once the fans have voiced their support. This clause requires clubs to get FA approval prior to changing the name that the club’s team plays under. The view of supporters is a significant factor in the FA’s decision-making. However, the FA may need to balance wider considerations with regard to name changes—for instance, whether there will be any adverse effects on other clubs throughout the pyramid. This clause serves one of the key objectives of the regulator—protecting the heritage of English football—and it has almost universal support. I hope noble Lords will, for the reasons I have set out, not press their amendments and agree that Clause 49 should stand part of the Bill.