Owners, Directors, and Senior Executives (ODSE)
The IFR’s Owners, Directors & Senior Executives (ODSE) regime is a key element of the Football Governance Act 2025. It was updated with amended rules and guidance that took effect from 5 May 2026.
The regime sets clear standards for those who own and lead clubs, ensuring they meet the required levels of honesty, integrity, competence and financial soundness. This supports our core aims: protecting club financial health, strengthening the long-term resilience of English football, and safeguarding the heritage of the game.
Clubs, leagues, fan groups and other stakeholders provided valuable input through consultation, helping us refine the final rules and guidance. This includes clearer definitions of senior roles, updated terminology, greater clarity on how we will carry out assessments, and refinements to application forms and processes and the temporary appointments provision.
The IFR’s powers relating to incumbent owners and Senior Managers took effect in December 2025, with assessments for new owners and Senior Managers beginning from 5 May 2026. As implementation begins, we will continue working closely with clubs, competition organisers and fans across the game.
Previous consultations and the IFR’s responses can be found on the IFR’s Engagement Tool.
Forms are available to clubs from their supervisor. You can access the full ODSE rules and guidance below.