Keir Starmer has shot down the possibility of forcing Premier League clubs to pay a 10% tax on transfer fees. The Labour leader said his party isn't looking at the controversial proposal, less than 24 hours after his sport chief said it is on the table. Questioned about remarks by Thangam Debbonaire, he said: "Let me just kill that one, we're not looking at that.
" On Monday Ms Debbonaire told reporters that Labour would look at all recommendations from a fan-led review . This included calls for top clubs to pay a stamp-duty type charge when they sign players from overseas and from the top division. The review, headed by ex-Tory MP Tracey Crouch, said cash would then be distributed to support smaller clubs.
But it is likely to have provoked a backlash from England's largest teams. Labour has vowed to push ahead with new legislation to regulate the Beautiful Game. Measures will include creating a new independent watchdog and rules ensuring fans get a say on how their clubs are run.
Asked specifically about the transfer levy, Shadow Sport Secretary Ms Debbonaire said during a visit to Bristol Rovers FC: "I 'm going to look at everything again that was in Tracey Crouch's report. I think it's important we go back to those principles just to make sure there's not something that's been missed that is needed in order to ensure financial sustainability is back on the table." Quizzed on Ms Debbonaire's remarks on LBC, Mr Starmer said: "She said she'd look at the Tracey Crouch proposals.
