Funding reinstated as Table Tennis England pushes through governance reforms

Table Tennis England’s public funding has been reinstated after the national governing body finally agreed to a package of reforms compliant with the government’s Code for Sports Governance.

Proposals made by the board were overwhelmingly accepted by members, with 97 per cent voting in favour of board and governance changes.

Last month, the same proposals were accepted by 74.93 per cent, falling 0.07 per cent below the 75 per cent threshold. As a result, Table Tennis England’s £9m (US$11.6m, €10.2m) was clawed back by Sport England.

However, following the new vote that money has now been reinstated.

Sandra Deaton, Table Tennis England chair, said the vote has put the body “back on track”.

“The suspension of funding has caused cash-flow problems and reputational damage and restoring it was our top priority,” she added

“Ahead of the EGM, the Board gave a written commitment to launch a public review and will now get that process under way. I cannot understate how important this result is for the future of our sport. It gives us the chance to move forward with confidence and to deliver our programmes for the benefit of all our members.”

A statement made by Sport England said: “Today’s result means public investment into Table Tennis England can be reinstated, which will benefit everyone who plays the sport in the future.”