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Reading FC: Sunak calls for focus on football club ownership

Reuters Rishi Sunak waving from the stands at St Mary'sReuters
Southampton er Rishi Sunak saw his side relegated from the Premier League last season

The prime minister has said there needs to be "more focus" on football club ownership as he was questioned about Reading FC's financial decline.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire's Andrew Peach, Rishi Sunak said he had "enormous sympathy" for fans after their team was relegated last season.

He said a detailed government paper on club ownership had been published.

The Royals have been docked four points this season for late wage payments by owner Dai Yongge.

Mr Dai is also facing a football misconduct charge for failing to deposit funds.

Announcing the charge on 20 September, the Football League said it followed "repeated failings in meeting the club's funding requirements".

Rex Features Dai YonggeRex Features
Reading FC owner Dai Yongge has reportedly invested more than £200m in the club

The prime minister was speaking during a round of BBC local radio interviews ahead of the Conservative Party conference which starts on Sunday.

Mr Peach said: "An overwhelming number of listeners want me to ask you about our football club, relegated last season.

"Do you think there needs to be tighter rules on football ownership and an independent regulator, whose first case could be ours":[]}