Labour’s big win at the general election, but what does it mean for English football?
In a summer so far dominated by the Premier League manager carousel, Euro 2024 and the transfer window, it’s impossible to escape football. This week, however, the election has captured the country’s attention.
Sir Keir Starmer is set to succeed Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister following a landslide Labor victory in the polls. Labor has now won 412 seats, well above the 326 needed for a majority, while the Conservatives have won just 121 seats.
While the impact of the election on football may be subtle and long-term, there is no denying the growing influence of politics on the sport. LondonWorld looks at clubs in London, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as what other clubs in the UK can look out for.
Football Governance Bill
The most obvious area of focus is undoubtedly the Football Governance Bill, which was introduced by the Conservative government but has bipartisan support. The bill aims to protect the sport and the longevity of clubs in the country.
Part of that is creating an independent regulator to oversee the finances of the National League. The bill was introduced to MPs in March this year, but parliament did not have time to complete its process of becoming law at the start of the election, meaning it will now fall to Labor.
Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer is likely to continue the Conservative Party’s work in this area. Part of Labour’s manifesto includes “creating an independent regulator”.
A statement released today by the Football Supporters Association read: “Labour’s manifesto is committed to making the UK the best place in the world for football fans and independent football regulators. The previous Football Governance Bill had cross-party support and strong support Very low.
“We will work with members of Congress across the political spectrum to make this bill as strong as possible and cross the line once and for all. Let’s get it done.”
state ownership
Jon Tonge, a Bury fan and professor of politics at the University of Liverpool, told Sky News the bill would not solve the issue of state ownership regardless of the government. With the UAE acquiring Manchester City in 2008 and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund acquiring Newcastle United in 2021, this has become a hot topic in the Premier League.
Tonge said: “State ownership is not going away and may in fact increase. I think Labor is reluctant to ban it, first of all because the horse is already out of the horse – if you allow it, how can you possibly stop others following suit?”
transfer tax
A Labor government could also consider a 10% transfer tax.
The tax was proposed in a fan-led review in 2021 but was not adopted by the Conservatives. However, when asked about the levy for a visit to Bristol Rovers, shadow culture and sport secretary Dongam de Bonnell said: “I will look again at Tracy Crouch’s fan-led comments everything in .
The 10% tax could apply to deals struck between Premier League clubs as well as transfers between the top flight and overseas clubs. The funds raised will be invested in the football pyramid.
Ms Debonnell told reporters at the Memorial Stadium: “A club like this, which is not the richest club in the world, wants to be able to invest in infrastructure. It wants to be able to make sure the facilities are good for the future. It does cost money so I would Consider anything that might help improve financial sustainability.
European Super League
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among six English clubs trying to form a European Super League in 2021, but have faced strong public opposition.
The deal was subsequently scrapped and Labor made clear in its manifesto that it would work to block any such deal. “We will never allow closed leagues of select clubs to be ripped away from the English football pyramid,” the declaration said.
Sir Keir himself added: “In the face of the continued threat of fragmentation among some European clubs, we have to do this. In my opinion, there will not be a Super League-style fragmentation in English football.
