I am repeating the following Written Ministerial Statement made today in the other place by my Honourable Friend the Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock MP.

On 14 May 2026, the government introduced the Sporting Events Bill.

The government is proud of the UK’s record of hosting world class major sporting events over recent years, including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, and last summer’s remarkable Women’s Rugby World Cup. These events bring the nation together like nothing else can and have profound social and economic benefits.

The Sporting Events Bill will better equip the UK and devolved governments to attract and deliver such events into the future. It will ensure these events including the UEFA European Championships 2028 (EURO 2028) and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035 – should the UK’s bid be successful – can be delivered as efficiently as possible, and enhance our competitive advantage when bidding for future global tournaments, showing to international event owners that we are event ready.

For an event to qualify, it must meet three conditions. First, it must be taking place at least in part in the UK. Second, it must not usually be held in the UK. Third, that the event is either (i) of significant international interest with the potential to deliver social or economic benefits, or (ii) of strategic importance in helping to secure such events in the UK in the future.

The framework provisions include measures to:

To put fans first by criminalising the unauthorised resale of tickets for qualifying sporting events, ensuring more tickets go directly to fans. More broadly, the government consulted on measures last year to introduce a price cap on the resale of tickets for all live events. That consultation made it clear that for too long fans have been ripped off by touts, who buy large volumes of tickets online and resell them for vastly inflated prices. We are fully committed to these measures and will publish a draft bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in this parliamentary session to ensure the legislation is effective, enforceable and future-proof.

Prohibit unauthorised advertising and trading around event locations through time-limited criminal offences. These provisions will enable us to create a restricted advertising and trading zone where unauthorised businesses (those not authorised, for example, by the event organiser) will be prevented from trading in places such as competition venues, official fanzones and transport hubs and their surrounding areas, balancing the need for commercial protection for event organisers and their sponsors with the rights of individuals and businesses. This would allow for a safe flow of spectators and help to create a consistent and positive experience for event goers.

Prohibit unauthorised association with a sporting event by creating a general prohibition enforceable through the civil courts. This prevents businesses from benefitting financially by associating with an event without contributing to delivery costs of the event.

Manage transport and traffic in relation to a sporting event in England.

UK Ministers and devolved governments will be able to determine which framework provisions apply to qualifying events, and to tailor them to the event by adding essential event-specific details such as dates and places. This will be done via secondary legislation.

The bill also includes a funding provision, which ensures the Secretary of State and devolved governments have legal powers to fund sporting events.

The provisions in this bill as a whole will ensure the UK continues to be an attractive host country for major events, bolstering our world-leading reputation. We are sending a clear message: the UK is not just a home for sport, but a prepared, professional, and fan-focused host.

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