Football Governance Bill completes Lords report stage
18 March 2025
The Football Governance Bill reached the final day of report stage, on Monday 17 March.
The Football Governance Bill seeks to establish an independent football regulator (IFR) and introduce a licensing system for football clubs as part of a new regulatory regime for men’s football in England.
Further checks
Report stage is a further chance to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes.
Two days of report stage were scheduled:
- Tuesday 11 March
- Monday 17 March.
Lords divisions
Following amendments put forward by members on the second day of report stage, there were five divisions (votes) on proposed changes to the bill on:
- 'parachute payments'
- gambling advertising and sponsorship for clubs
- changes to levy rules
- equality, diversity and inclusion.
Members disagreed to all five amendments, so the changes were not made.
Catch up
- Watch on Parliament TV.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
Explore further information
Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
Next steps
Third reading, a chance for members to ‘tidy up' the bill, ensuring the text is effective, workable and without loopholes, is scheduled for Wednesday 26 March.
What's happened so far?
Report stage day one: Tuesday 11 March
Members speaking on day one of report stage put forward amendments (PDF) to the bill on subjects including:
- growth and financial sustainability of English football
- declaration and registration of relevant interests
- definition of club 'emblems' over 'crests'.
Lords divisions
There were five divisions (votes) on subjects including conflict with international football governing bodies, club ownership, appointment of the IFR chair, environmental sustainability and ticket sales.
Members disagreed to all five amendments.
Catch up
- Catch up on Parliament TV - part one and part two.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript - part one and part two.
Committee stage
Committee stage, a thorough examination of the individual parts (clauses) of the bill, concluded on Wednesday 15 January.
Second Reading
Second reading, a full debate on the key principles of the bill, took place on Wednesday 13 November.
Image: Adobe stock
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