19 January 11

A reminder that the Culture, Media and Sport Committee is currently in the process of inquiring into the governance of professional football club. The Committee has indicated that to assist with its research, it is keen to hear from a wide range of interested parties - including fans. Should members wish to contribute, there is still time; The closing date for written submissions on the above and other matters relevant to the inquiry is Wednesday 26 January 2011.

 By way of background, the inquiry has its genesis in the Coalition agreement, which includes an undertaking to encourage the reform of football governance rules to support the co-operative ownership of football clubs by supporters.

 It is understood that questions before the Committee include:

• Should football clubs in the UK be treated differently from other commercial organisations?
• Are football governance rules in England and Wales, and the governing bodies which set and apply them, fit for purpose?
• Is there too much debt in the professional game?
• What are the pros and cons of the Supporter Trust share-holding model?
• Is Government intervention justified and, if so, what form should it take?
• Are there lessons to be learned from football governance models across the UK and abroad, and from governance models in other sports?

 Further information is available on the Committee website, including guidance on how to submit written evidence:- http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/culture-media-and-sport-committee/news/committee-launches-a-new-inquiry-on-football-governance/