Reading East MP, Matt Rodda, has been left 'encouraged' after attending a football governance bill committee on Tuesday.
A key politician in assisting with the current ownership saga at Reading Football Club, the Football Governance Bill is pushing to create an Independent Regulator in the game.
Having had the first and second readings in the House of Commons, a committee is currently underway involving heads of the EFL, Premier League and Football Supporters Association.
The Football Governance Bill is back in Parliament today and we'll be there answering MPs questions about what we want to see strengthened in the bill - https://t.co/m6Ur3nfSRB
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) May 14, 2024
Quizzing EFL chief, Rick Parry, Rodda was left 'pleased' to hear new powers would prevent an owner from buying a club if the proposed owner had owned clubs which have gone out of business overseas.
Royals owner Dai Yongge, who is in exclusive negotiations to sell the club after seven years of worsening ownership, has had teams in China and Belgium go bust during the time of owning Reading.
In response to Rodda's question, Parry responded: "I don’t think there’s any reason to be doubtful at this moment in time. Within football, we have been refining the tests that we apply over time.
"I think a decade ago, the tests were probably inadequate and overly simplistic but we have definitely refined them and we take people’s track records. I am not fearful that the regulator will not be able to do the same."
Rodda told the Reading Chronicle: "Reading fans have been through a very challenging season, it is vital that what happened to Reading does not happen again.
"I am pleased with the Football Governance Bill, but there is still a long way to go.
"The evidence given to Parliament about the Bill today was encouraging."
Supporters Trust at Reading [STAR] have been invited to a follow-up session on Thursday.
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