What is regulation?

About Regulation

What is regulation?

The creation of the Independent Football Regulator is the biggest change to football governance in a generation, helping to protect clubs across the country.

We will introduce new financial regulation to improve financial resilience across the football pyramid so that clubs are sustainable for the long term. We will also bring in stronger, statutory Owners, Directors’ and Senior Executives’ tests to make sure club custodians are suitable. We will have strong powers to act where they are not.

The IFR’s objectives are to:

Protect and promote the financial soundness of regulated football clubs
Protect and promote the financial resilience of English football
Safeguard the heritage of English football

We will have powers to operate a licensing regime, and monitor and enforce compliance with requirements on financial regulation; fan engagement and club heritage.

The IFR will set governance standards for English football safeguarding the game’s heritage and identity - from club colours and badges to names and grounds. By overseeing these key duties, the IFR ensures decisions are made responsibly, in the interests of clubs, fans and the wider game.

Our approach to regulation:

1

Prevention

We will work with clubs to prevent problems spiralling
It is not a rules/sanctions led regime

2

Risk-based

We’ll assess clubs (e.g. financial plans & fan engagement)
We’ll focus on highest risk clubs and issues
Each club will have unique circumstances we will take into account

3

Supervisory-led

Clubs will have a named supervisor
We will help you with our processes and clarify expectations
We’ll work with you to clarify our expectations and help you meet them

4

Formal powers

We can require owners to sell clubs
We can appoint 3rd parties to help run clubs
We can require clubs to increase financial resources