The annual cost to English clubs of running the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has reached £20.3m, which is roughly double the amount initially projected. Starting next season, clubs across the top five divisions of English men’s football must fund these operations.
Funding and Budget Breakdown
The watchdog has proposed a levy totaling £18.3m to fund operating costs for 100 staff members, along with an additional £1m allocated for potential litigation. Another £1m goes toward a total estimated setup cost of £45m that will be paid off across a 10-year period.
The IFR stated that the levy represents “a proportionate and affordable amount.” However, the total is much higher than the figure predicted in a 2019 impact assessment report prior to the finalization of the legislation, which estimated annual operating costs between £8m and £10.2m for the first decade.
BBC Sport reported that IFR chief executive Richard Monks acknowledged the earlier £10m figure, stating it does not reflect the current financial reality or the scale of the upcoming task. Monks added that the proposed levy ensures most clubs pay roughly 0.1% of their annual revenue, offering a modest investment for a more sustainable ecosystem.
Reactions and Criticism
The increased costs drew criticism from Conservative shadow sports minister Louie French, who noted on social media that government forecasts for the regulator totaled between £77m and £106m over 10 years alongside £45m in setup costs, with first-year operating expenses exceeding £18m. French argued that the IFR is not the light-touch regulator promised to clubs and Parliament.
Under the proposed framework, contributions scale with financial capacity, meaning clubs in UEFA and FIFA competitions as well as those receiving Premier League parachute payments will contribute more. The IFR estimates top-tier Premier League clubs will face charges up to £1.8m per season, with most paying £600,000. Meanwhile, Championship clubs without parachute payments will pay about £45,000, League One clubs around £9,000, League Two clubs £6,000, and National League clubs under £600 annually.
Regulator Defense and Context
The IFR defended the £20.3m figure by highlighting that it remains significantly lower than other UK regulators and the administrative expenses reported by bodies like the Premier League, which exceeded £200m in the 2024-25 season, and the English Football League (EFL) at £35m. This comparison drew surprise from some individuals within the Premier League given the scale of revenue it generates.
Last week, the IFR released its State of the Game report, which indicated that 94% of clubs operate at a loss and over 60% of EFL and National League clubs are technically insolvent. Since its establishment last year, the watchdog has conducted suitability checks on 40 owners, directors, and senior executives, and participated in negotiations between the Premier League and the EFL regarding a new financial settlement.
Source: BBC Sport
