Lords debates Premier League football
26 July 2013
Members of the Lords, including a member of the Football Association council, the vice president of the Football Conference and the vice president of the UK Sports Association, debated the economic and cultural contribution of the English Premier League yesterday (Thursday 25 July)
- Watch the debate on Parliament TV
- Read the Lords Hansard report
- Lords Library note: Contribution of English Premier League Football to the United Kingdom
The economic success and global reach of the Premier League was repeatedly highlighted during the debate, as well as its potential to bring future benefits to the economy. Alongside this was the need to ensure clubs retained a link to the community they represent - members spoke of fans being alienated by rising ticket prices and the increased costs of replica shirts.
Peers welcomed efforts made to tackle racism and homophobia on the pitch and among spectators, but stressed there was still a great deal of progress to be made. The financial constraints faced by women's football in comparison with the riches of the Premier League were also raised during the debate.