An influential UK parliamentary committee said on Tuesday it is to make a wide-ranging investigation into debt problems in British football as part of a new inquiry into the running of the sport, reports Sport Business. The inquiry by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee will examine whether there is too much debt in the professional game, whether the rules requiring owners to be "fit and proper persons" are adequate and whether there is any need for the government to intervene in the running of the game.
"The government has said that it will encourage the reform of football governance rules to support the co-operative ownership of football clubs by supporters, and there is widespread concern that the current governance arrangements are not fit for purpose," said committee chairman John Whittingdale.
Debt levels at major clubs such as Manchester United, and the recent court appearances of several clubs fighting administration have heightened government concerns.