Commenting on the news of a planned takeover bid of Birmingham City Football Club by Laurence Bassini, Shabana Mahmood said:

“I am disappointed to read this week that Laurence Bassini is close to sealing a deal to purchase Birmingham City Football Club.

“For years, Blues fans have watched with devastation as financial and professional mismanagement has driven their beloved club to the brink.

“After meeting with top officials at the club and fans this year, I was hopeful that the club might turn a corner.

“Bassini has a history of bankruptcy, failed takeover bids, and legal action against struggling clubs. His track record is exactly the reason why football needs a strong regulator and a more robust process to decide who can be a club owner or director.

“If the Government really wants to make good on its promise to put football fans first they would step in and stop this deal from happening.”

ENDS