MPS launch inquiry after ‘tragedy’ of Bury’s expulsion

A parliamentary inquiry has been launched into the Football Association and English Football League’s financial governance of clubs following the demise of Bury.

Announcing a series of hearings that will be heard this autumn, Damian Collins, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, also backed calls to give Bury the chance to resume in League Two from next season.

Select committees have the formal power to call for relevant “papers and records”, as well as key witnesses, such as the decisionmakers from clubs and the football authorities, and have parliamentary privilege, meaning evidence that has been accepted by the committee cannot be questioned in court.

Collins yesterday said the expulsion of Bury from the EFL was “a tragedy” for fans and the wider community which “marks a failure of football governance”. He also said that the football authorities now need greater powers to intervene when clubs get into financial trouble. “The owners and directors’ test is clearly not sufficient to protect the long-term interests of clubs and keep bad owners and directors out of the game,” he said.

“The issues that have affected Bury reflect a wider and growing problem within the League. We have seen similar crises at Bolton and other clubs in recent years.

“The committee will also inquire into what needs to be done to strengthen football governance rules in this regard.”

James Frith, the MP for Bury North, yesterday asked Collins to host the sessions in Bury and wants fans to be among those who give evidence. The EFL is consulting other member clubs about the possibility of Bury resuming in League Two if there is clear evidence of its future financial viability.

The EFL yesterday announced a review of its regulations and procedures concerning the financial sustainability of clubs, which will consider the lessons from Bury and seek changes that help to ensure no similar problems occur.