Reading MPs discuss independent football regulator

There have been claims in Parliament that a football regulator could help clubs like those in similar situations to Reading.

The club is currently up for sale by its owner Dai Yongge after years of turmoil, which has included points deductions, transfer bans and relegation.

Speaking in a debate with MPs Reading West's Labour MP Olivia Bailey said the problems could have been prevented.

The Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, Yuan Yang said: "Reading fans can tell you the perils of this dependence."

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock expressed concern that too many football fans were now worrying about their clubs finances rather than the game on the pitch.

Ms Peacock said: "Despite bigger revenues than ever coming into the game too many loyal fans have had their attention forced away from the pitch and into the troubles of malicious ownership, mishandled finances and ultimately the worry that their cherished clubs might be lost."

Ms Bailey said: "None of this had to happen".

"All of this could have been prevented, by Dai Yongge acting in the interest of his club, but also by proper regulation by the football industry and proper protection for clubs like Reading.

"That's why I echo my colleagues call for a comprehensive inquiry and it is also why I'm so supportive of this government's football governance bill establishing an independent football regulator."

The bill would establish a first independent regulator for the professional men's game in England.

It was initially tabled a year ago under the former Conservative government, and is now making its way through Parliament under the Labour administration.

Ms Yang said Reading is not alone in being exposed to risk by its owners.

She said: "Most clubs are relying on a generous owner to stay afloat and when the good will or cash flow of that owner starts to run dry clubs often have no one else to turn to.

"Reading fans can tell you the perils of this dependence."

"The current owners, the Dai siblings put the club up for sale almost two years ago and they've not been seen at the club in well over a year and fans have mostly been kept in the dark," she added.

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