§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are considering any help in resolving the dispute between the Professional Footballers' Association and the football bodies on a basis fair to professional footballers past and present who rely on the association's charitable funds for relief of hardship, help with medical costs and education and training. [HL1328]
§ Baroness BlackstoneThe Premier League, the Football League and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) are discussing the share of revenue to be passed to the PFA under the leagues' present broadcasting contracts. The Government are well aware of the PFA's work in assisting current and former players and hope that a satisfactory settlement may be reached without the need for industrial action. However, the Government have no plans to intervene in the dispute, which must be resolved by the sport itself if the terms of any settlement are to enjoy the full confidence of all interested parties.