Football
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with (a) the shadow football regulator and (b) supporters groups on fan engagement over kick-off time changes.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock
The Government fully appreciates the frustration and disappointment that fans might experience following kick off times being changed.
Fan consultation is a key part of the licensing regime within the Football Governance Bill and the relevant matters have been deliberately designed to capture the wide array of club matters that may impact fans.
Within such categories as “match-day and operational issues”, topics such as accessibility, ticket purchasing processes, and stewarding may all be relevant, depending on the club. The requirements mean that clubs and their supporters could choose to discuss kick off times in these meetings, if they choose to.
However, kick-off times are not included on the face of the Football Governance Bill as, in the majority of cases, these are not within the control of the club. Ultimately, the scheduling of fixtures is a matter for the relevant league and the Football Association (the FA), in conjunction with broadcasters, local authorities, and the police.
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