Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing criticism for his involvement in shaping a new football watchdog, amid concerns that he may be unduly influenced by free tickets and hospitality from footballing figures.
The Prime Minister will not step back from making major decisions on a new football watchdog despite fears he is being lobbied to water it down when he accepts free tickets to matches.
Just last week Sir Keir went to see his team play rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the company of a lobbyist who backed a breakaway European Super League, which the new regulator could block, The Mail on Sunday revealed at the weekend. 'There is a clear conflict of interest in Starmer's behaviour. His grace-and-favour hospitality box alone doesn't pass the smell test. He should recuse himself from making any decisions on football regulation or taxation.'
Some smaller clubs are concerned that Sir Keir may be about to reduce the ability of the new body to close the massive financial divide with the biggest teams. When the legislation was originally published under the Tory government, parachute payments were excluded from the 'backstop mechanism' that could be triggered if the leagues fail to agree a financial settlement. Labour MPs, then in opposition, drew up an amendment allowing the watchdog to include the payments but it is unclear if the new government remains committed to this.
Government sources insist that Sir Keir has not spoken to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy about the Bill and that no decisions have yet been taken on the extent of the regulator's financial powers.
Football Watchdog Keir Starmer Lobbying Conflict Of Interest Hospitality
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