Labour Proposes 10% Transfer Levy on Premier League Clubs as Part of Football Governance Reforms

Labour has committed to implementing changes in football management if they come to power, indicating that a 10% levy on transfers might be reconsidered.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Monday, June 17, 2024, 21:

Under proposals being reviewed by the Labour Party, Premier League teams might face a 10% tax on player transfers.

Sir Keir Starmer's political group has committed to implementing changes in football management to avert future attempts similar to the unsuccessful European Super League, should they be victorious in the upcoming general election.

Latest Election Update: Farage Remains Mysteriously Quiet Regarding His Career Prospects

On Monday, Thangam Debbonaire, the opposition's sports secretary, was questioned about whether they would reintroduce the transfer levy, a measure suggested in a 2021 fan-conducted review that the Conservatives did not adopt in their legislative proposal.

Ms. Debbonaire stated she would "reexamine all aspects" of the review.

Addressing the audience from Bristol Rovers' stadium, she continued: "This club, while not the richest, aims to put funds into its infrastructure.

"It aims to ensure that facilities are adequately prepared for the future.

Further Details on General Election 2024

Are the numbers in Reform UK's 'manifesto' accurate?

As the Euro tournament kicks off, who leads in the number of interviews on Sky News during the ongoing general election campaign?

Sunak remains confident in Conservative victory despite minister's acknowledgment of potential defeat

Connected Subjects:

"It does require funding, therefore I'm examining all possible options to enhance financial stability."

In 2021, the supporter-driven examination of football management was spearheaded by Conservative MP Tracey Crouch, addressing ongoing issues related to the ownership and financial health of clubs within English football.

Ms. Crouch mentioned that the transfer tax would function similarly to stamp duty, spreading funds throughout the league hierarchy and into local community sports.

Yet, this was among the few proposals in the report that the Conservatives did not incorporate into their Football Governance Bill, which sought to create an independent regulator for men's football.

The bill was shelved when a general election was scheduled for July 4.

Labour has unveiled its proposal for legislation, emphasizing that it would place supporters at the forefront of decision-making concerning the future of English football.

The platform of the party promises the establishment of a new autonomous body to oversee football.

Discover more: Sunak remains confident in Conservative victory at the polls. Are the numbers in Reform UK's 'manifesto' accurate?

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

The document declares that "we will absolutely prevent the creation of an exclusive league comprised of a handful of clubs that would be isolated from the traditional English football hierarchy."

In 2021, six prominent English football teams—Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham—declared their participation in the newly formed European Super League. However, the initiative was abandoned just two days later due to widespread public opposition.

Sir Keir Starmer, who joined Ms Debbonaire on her trip to Bristol Rovers, stated that "clubs and supporters frequently suffer due to the chaotic nature prevalent in the structure of football leagues."

"The Labour leader further stated, 'That is the reason we are introducing legislation for the much-anticipated independent football regulator.'"

"Given the ongoing risk of some European clubs splitting away, it has become necessary for us to take action."

"Under my leadership, there will be no departures from English football to form a super league."

Associated Subjects

Footer for Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels from Sky

Additional Sky Websites