Proposed Bill Threatens Manchester City and Newcastle United Owners
A proposal to ban state-controlled clubs from English football could shake up the ownership structure of two Premier League giants, Manchester City and Newcastle United. The proposed amendment to the Football Governance Bill aims to introduce an independent regulator for the sport, which would have the power to force these clubs to change their ownership to comply with the new regulations.
Details of the Proposed Amendment
Lord Bassam of Brighton, a Labour peer, has spearheaded this amendment in the House of Lords. The proposal specifically targets clubs owned or controlled by sovereign wealth funds or government ministers from any country. As it stands, Newcastle United is majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), while Manchester City’s owner, Sheikh Mansour, holds the title of vice-president of the United Arab Emirates.
For this amendment to become law, it would need approval from both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The latter is crucial, as the government’s support is necessary for its passage. While some Premier League clubs have advocated for such a ban in the past, Whitehall insiders suggest that the likelihood of the amendment being approved is slim.
Concerns and Opposition
Baroness Karren Brady, the vice-chairman of West Ham United, raised concerns during the House of Lords debate. She criticized the government for granting more power to the regulator, particularly regarding parachute payments to relegated clubs. Brady also warned that certain changes could jeopardize the excitement and competitiveness of the Premier League. She emphasized the importance of balancing sustainability with ambition and calculated risk-taking in football ownership.
Impact on English Football
The proposed amendment has sparked a debate about the role of state-controlled entities in English football and the potential consequences for clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle United. If this bill were to pass, it could reshape the ownership landscape of the Premier League and set a precedent for regulating foreign investments in the sport. As the discussions continue in parliament, the future of these clubs hangs in the balance, awaiting a final decision that could alter the course of English football history.
