* Licensing requirements on clubs’ financial soundness, fan consultation and club governance published 

* Club licensing designed to be preventative, proportionate and risk-based

* Licensing regime underpins IFR mandate to support growth and investment

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has today published plans for a new licensing regime that will form the foundation of its work to help protect English football’s long-term future.

For the first time, all 116 clubs across the top five divisions of the men’s game will be required to hold a licence to compete in the Premier League, English Football League and National League (Step One only).   

The new licensing regime will go further than anything currently in place by assessing the full financial picture of a club and adopting a preventative, risk-based approach. 

Once provisionally licensed, clubs will be required to submit financial plans, report on how they are meeting corporate governance standards, and consult directly with their fans on key matters.

IFR Chair David Kogan said: 

“We are making substantial progress on bringing the Independent Football Regulator regime forward. This latest consultation sets out the new requirements clubs will have to meet on financial regulation, fan consultation and corporate governance.

“This is a transformational change for football and we will support clubs at every step to reinforce these higher standards.”

Throughout the licensing process, the IFR will place significant emphasis on clubs’ liquidity positions and the sources of funding on which they rely. The IFR will work with clubs to stress-test their finances, to improve decision-making and ensure long-term resilience. 

Should clubs be unable to demonstrate sound financial planning, the IFR will have the ability to require clubs to or take steps to better manage day-to-day spending, such as increasing cash reserves, controlling costs or reducing debt. 

Licensing will also require clubs to consult with their fans on key matters  — including its business priorities, club heritage and match day issues such as ticket prices – and demonstrate how fan views have been taken into account when decisions are made. This will give fans a greater say, but does not mean they will have a veto. 

At the same time, clubs will be required to publicly report on how they are meeting the new Football Club Corporate Governance Code (the Club Code). The Code is being developed  to foster good governance, decision making, and improve overall club management. 

Clubs will first apply for a provisional licence during the 2026/27 football season, with  licences granted ahead of the 2027/28 season.

The licensing programme will give every club sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements for a full licence. The IFR will work closely with clubs to ensure they meet these conditions before moving them to a full licence. 

Alongside the licensing regime the IFR is also consulting on its internal review process — the mechanism through which clubs will be able to request a review of regulatory decisions. This review process, which is conducted by an independent panel, is designed to be an efficient and cost effective alternative for persons seeking to challenge a decision made by the IFR. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Licensing consultation will run for seven weeks, until Monday 8 December and can be found here.

The Internal Review consultation will run for four weeks, until Monday 10 November can be found here. 

The IFR has recently published consultations on its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives test, and Information Gathering, Enforcement and Sanctions, with publication on these expected by the end of 2026.

The IFR will undertake further consultations in the coming weeks and months including a second, shorter consultation on its licensing rules and guidance.