The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) will begin work later this year after the Football Governance Act received Royal Assent to become law.
The IFR will act across the top five tiers of the men’s game to ensure clubs are run sustainably and are accountable to their fans.
Its powers will include:
Tough new financial regulation to improve resilience across the football pyramid to ensure clubs are sustainable for the long term.Stronger, statutory Owners’ and Directors’ Tests to make sure club custodians are suitable and aren’t using illicit finances with powers to force rogue owners to sell up.New standards for fan engagement in club decision-making.Bars on clubs joining closed-shop competitions and breakaway leagues.Backstop powers to ensure a fair financial distribution between leagues.New statutory protections for key club heritage aspects like home shirt colours and club badges and stadium moves.
The Football Governance Act cleared the Commons earlier this month, with MPs voting in favour at third reading by 415 votes to 98, a majority of 317.
The Act follows a long journey to law, which began following the attempted breakaway European Super League, and a series of high-profile cases of clubs facing financial ruin.
Over recent years fans from the likes of Bury, Macclesfield Town, Derby County, Reading and many others have been left to suffer the consequences of reckless mismanagement, excessive risk-taking and financial catastrophe at their club.
The IFR will consult the industry on its proposed rules, guidance and approach to licensing clubs before implementing the new regime.
A transition team, the Shadow Football Regulator, was established in 2024 to lead this process and is already engaging widely with industry and fan groups.
The process of appointing a senior leadership team is ongoing with the announcement of an Interim CEO and Board expected shortly.
Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) chief executive Kevin Miles said: “We look forward to working with the regulator, as well as the FA and leagues it covers, to ensure that the supporter voice continues to be at the forefront of debate as fans are the beating heart of the game. Club owners can no longer mark their own homework.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This is a proud and defining moment for English football. Our landmark Football Governance Act delivers on the promise we made to fans. It will protect the clubs they cherish, and the vital role they play in our economy.
“Through our Plan for Change, we are ushering in a stronger, fairer future for the game we all love.”
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “Football clubs have been built and sustained by fans for generations, but too often they have had nowhere to turn when their clubs have faced crisis. Today that changes as this Act will give hope and assurance to people, with the Regulator working to protect clubs in towns and cities all over the country, where football clubs mean so much, to so many.”
