{"id":70393,"date":"2016-05-11T11:04:00","date_gmt":"2016-05-11T11:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=722ffba5140def909852e93aa4b17fcc"},"modified":"2016-05-11T11:04:00","modified_gmt":"2016-05-11T11:04:00","slug":"speech-the-business-of-sport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=70393","title":{"rendered":"Speech: The Business of Sport"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

It is a pleasure to be here with you at this Business of Sport conference, not least following this country having just seen one of the most extraordinary sporting achievements of all time.<\/p>\n

I will leave it to others to determine whether Leicester City\u2019s Premiership triumph is a bigger shock than Boris Becker winning Wimbledon at seventeen, or Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson, or indeed what Brian Clough achieved with Derby County and Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n

Two things are certain, however: what Leicester have done has got the whole world even more excited about English football – and Keith Vaz is going to keep wearing his Leicester City scarf unless someone can wrestle it off him.<\/p>\n

It has been an exciting year across all of sport. I have had the good fortune to attend \u2013 amongst other events \u2013 three huge sporting occasions here in the UK. Wimbledon. The British Grand Prix. And the Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n

The first two are annual staples, and among the most celebrated sporting events on the planet. The Rugby World Cup, meanwhile, was widely seen as the best ever. It was a real testament to the appetite for live sport in this country that \u2013 despite England\u2019s exit after just three games \u2013 fans still filled stadia up and down the country throughout the tournament. And that appetite for sport has helped to make it big business in the UK.<\/p>\n

Sport is a key element of the Government\u2019s broader growth agenda \u2013 and a highly successful one.<\/p>\n

The Premier League is the best on Earth. Not only are more fans than ever watching in fantastic stadiums, it is one of this country\u2019s most recognised brands \u2013 generating \u00a33.4 billion in GVA in 2013\/14 and supporting more than 100,000 jobs. 800,000 tourists attended a match last year. The Premier League is broadcast to 730 million homes in 185 countries.<\/p>\n

Sport-related consumer spending is worth around \u00a330 billion annually. Motorsport Valley in the Home Counties employs 40,000 people in 3,500 companies.<\/p>\n

The Tour de France\u2019s 2014 visit to Yorkshire added \u00a3100 million to that county\u2019s economy, and helped draw the world\u2019s attention to the beautiful Dales.<\/p>\n

There is of course a very strong link between sport and the tourism sector \u2013 for which my department is also responsible.<\/p>\n

Just as cycling has enticed people to Yorkshire, so football entices them to Manchester and Liverpool, and tennis brings them to Eastbourne and London.<\/p>\n

The sport-tourism link also supports a wide range of jobs in hotels, bars, restaurants, sports marketing and much else besides. One of the reasons that the Government is so much in favour of hosting international sporting events is the economic boost they give to cities and towns.<\/p>\n

The Cricket World Cup is coming here in 2019, providing opportunities for places like Southampton, Taunton and Durham.<\/p>\n

In 2017, Cardiff will host the Champions League Final.<\/p>\n

When Wembley hosted the same event in 2013, London was awash with the red of Bayern Munich and the yellow of Borussia Dortmund \u2013 many fans coming over to sample the atmosphere \u2013 and spend money – even though an estimated 100,000 didn\u2019t have a ticket for the game.<\/p>\n

The Rugby World Cup generated nearly a billion pounds, and provided some terrific entertainment \u2013 such as Japan\u2019s historic victory over South Africa. The Rugby League World Cup in 2013 was also a big success \u2013 with the final enjoying the biggest ever crowd for a rugby league international.<\/p>\n

Most impressive of all, the overall impact of hosting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics is expected to be as high as \u00a341 billion of GVA. London was an incredible place to be throughout both.<\/p>\n

And we now have the NFL starting to bring games to this country, with three further games this year. This will provide another massive boost. And if a franchise locates here permanently, that will only increase.<\/p>\n

A lot of the money that sport in this country generates comes via television rights.<\/p>\n

Television has had a revolutionary impact on sport. It famously transformed the domestic popularity of snooker several decades ago, but that enthusiasm has now spread to China \u2013 and indeed China\u2019s Ding Junhui recently came within a few frames of becoming the first Asian world champion.<\/p>\n

Sky \u2013 and now as well BT \u2013 have generated huge sums for the sports they screen, whilst helping to grow and sustain interest and participation.<\/p>\n

We do not propose to reopen discussion on Listed Sporting Events. Rather than dictate to individual sports, I believe that it is better to allow national governing bodies and other rights-holders to decide for themselves the right balance between reaching a wide audience and generating as much revenue for their sport as they can. But it is our view that the starting point should always be how to ensure the broadest audience can experience live sport.<\/p>\n

The consultation leading up to our sports strategy found a widespread eagerness for more coverage of smaller sports and women\u2019s sport. This is something I very much wish to encourage. I know, for example, that weightlifting fans think that Eurosport\u2019s coverage of the sport has been excellent.<\/p>\n

I also welcome the Premier League cap of \u00a330 for away supporters for the next three seasons, funded \u2013 in part \u2013 by their record-breaking TV deal. And I applaud the efforts of some clubs in the Football League to reduce season ticket prices and introduce concessions for young fans. I hope to see much more of this.<\/p>\n

A principle of the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Broadcasting of Major Sporting Events is that a minimum of 30 per cent of net broadcasting revenue is put back into grassroots development within that sport. This is very welcome.<\/p>\n

Whenever a sport makes significant money from a television deal, I hope it will plough a substantial amount into its grassroots.<\/p>\n

For the grassroots of sport are critically important. We want people of all ages and abilities to be inspired to make sport a central part of their lives.<\/p>\n

The benefits of this are huge and varied. We know that sport has a positive impact on health, crime, wellbeing and social cohesion. It also has an economic impact. Physical activity adds \u00a339 billion to the UK economy every year \u2013 half of which comes from people\u2019s involvement in grassroots sport. The more people get active, the more the economy grows. It\u2019s a virtuous circle.<\/p>\n

This was why my excellent Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch, launched our new Sports Strategy last year, which explores the many ways we can get many more people active. This includes our consulting on how the corporation tax system might expand support for grassroots sport.<\/p>\n

We are determined to back all levels of sport. I also want to see the elite end of sport pulling its weight and supporting the grassroots on which it depends.<\/p>\n

After all, in 2012 Jamie Vardy was playing for Fleetwood Town. Now he has several England caps and a Premiership winner\u2019s medal.<\/p>\n

Moreover – as I am always quick to remind anyone who will listen – Alastair Cook started his career at Maldon Cricket Club, of which I am a Vice-President. He is an honorary life member and regular visitor \u2013 a useful reminder that all the best sportsmen and women remember where they came from and that sport belongs to all of us.<\/p>\n

I recently met Leon Smith \u2013 the brilliant captain of the first GB team to win the Davis Cup since 1936. It was a superb achievement, but I was equally pleased to learn that one of the first things he did after that win was to use the momentum created to start enthusing more youngsters to play the sport.<\/p>\n

Along with Annabel Croft he is overseeing a scheme called \u201cTennis for Kids\u201d, working with coaches to get children involved in the sport and to create an environment where they don\u2019t just try tennis but stick with it. It is great to see elite coaches and athletes give back to their sport in this way.<\/p>\n

Some governing bodies have done good work too \u2013 such as the RFU through its CBRE All Schools programme, which aims to increase the amount of rugby in schools and encourage new players to join local clubs. The RFU invested 32.5m last year in the grassroots game, an increase of 5 per cent from previous year.<\/p>\n

And we are also extremely fortunate to have so many unpaid volunteers up and down the country – without whom sport would collapse. We are supporting those volunteers and the grassroots, where some of our best talent starts.<\/p>\n

The Premier League, which will earn over \u00a35 billion over three seasons, already makes a significant investment in the grassroots of the game. However, the fact that it goes from strength to strength should have a commensurate impact on the lower levels of the sport.<\/p>\n

The Premier League has agreed with the Government that it will at least double its investment into community football over the coming three seasons.\u00a0That means over \u00a3100 million for the next three years will go to grassroots facilities and programmes where it is needed the most.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The funding details are dependent on the outcome of the Ofcom investigation into the sale of the Premier League\u2019s audio-visual rights in the UK. Government does not control the timing of this, but will maintain a keen interest in how it develops.<\/p>\n

The British public has an immense appetite for sport \u2013 as participants and spectators. We must not, however, abuse that position.<\/p>\n

There has been a spate of shocking allegations and revelations in recent months. What has happened at FIFA is reprehensible and appalling. Accusations of match-fixing in tennis and snooker and allegations of doping in athletics are deeply disquieting.<\/p>\n

This is damaging the reputation of sport. All corruption must be rooted out and dealt with. It is vitally important that sports bodies at home and abroad uphold the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability.<\/p>\n

Tomorrow, the Prime Minister is hosting an international Anti-Corruption Summit, the first of its kind. He will be welcoming international governments, businesses and organisations leading the fight against all corruption, including sports bodies.<\/p>\n

It is the right thing to do. Government invests millions in sport, and has a responsibility to the taxpayer and Lottery player to see that their money is well spent. We have a responsibility to tackle corruption wherever it is to be found, whether in sport or anywhere else.<\/p>\n

We want to inspire other governments to take a similarly robust position. Across the world, governments are the single biggest investor in sport \u2013 whether in the grassroots, elite funding or major events.<\/p>\n

Domestically, we have a good record, but more needs to be done, especially if we are to lead the world by example. UK Sport and Sport England are drafting a domestic code, which will be launched later in the year. It will include new rules on governance, financial transparency and diversity.<\/p>\n

There are cases where certain minimum standards are not being met, in regard to independence, conflicts of interest and term limits. This is a betrayal of athletes and the public alike. In future, where these standards are not met, we will not invest public money.<\/p>\n

I was disappointed to learn that the FA have again rejected the opportunity to reform their out-dated and unrepresentative governance model.<\/p>\n

So I will be writing to the FA to make clear that if they don\u2019t make sufficient progress on reform, they will not get a penny of taxpayers\u2019 money in the future. We would look instead to route money for grassroots football to other organisations that will adhere to the code of good governance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It is also vitally important that fans continue to feel connected to their clubs.<\/p>\n

In January the Government\u2019s Expert Working Group published a report on football supporter ownership and engagement. It has been well received by the football authorities and by supporters\u2019 groups.<\/p>\n

The report contained proposals on improving dialogue between fans and clubs and about making it more realistic for fans to bid for ownership of their club, when such opportunities arise.<\/p>\n

From next season, club owners will be expected to talk with a representative group of supporters about matters of strategic importance \u2013 giving them more information and a chance to hold key people to account.<\/p>\n

This year will be another momentous one for sport. We have three major events in Euro 2016, the Olympics and Paralympics.<\/p>\n

We are looking forward to an exciting European Championship in France and wish the English, Welsh and Northern Irish teams good luck for a successful tournament.<\/p>\n

Memories of the London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012 are still fresh in all our minds, and the Government remains committed to their legacy. We had an excellent settlement in the Autumn<\/p>\n

Statement, whereby we are increasing central government funding for elite sport. We want to keep the medals count up at Rio this year and Tokyo in 2020!<\/p>\n

Sport is something that we are great at. It is one of our biggest drivers of talent, it boosts our economy, it gives us international clout and national pride, and it is hugely enjoyable.<\/p>\n

This government is making a record investment in sport, because sport in this country has the potential to be even bigger and better.<\/p>\n

We want to see all corruption sniffed out and strangled, and as many people as possible from all backgrounds enjoy the multiple benefits of a sporting life.<\/p>\n

We will therefore continue to implement all the goals in our sports strategy, and we will continue to work with all of you, to deliver all these benefits.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, John Whittingdale, addresses delegates at the Telegraph’s Business of Sport conference.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70393"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=70393"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70393\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=70393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=70393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=70393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}