Clubs urged to prepare as new football regulator finalises rules

The Independent Football Regulator has revealed the final rules for football club ownership and licencing in England, covering the top five tiers of the domestic league structure and sides being promoted from the National League North and South.

It has also published guidance for clubs on the requirements they will now have to meet.

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From the start of the 2027-28 season, all 116 clubs covered by the regulator’s scope will be required to have applied for and received a provisional licence, and to comply with new rules around ownership and executive structures.

The IFR’s final rules also include new measures aimed at protecting club heritage and fan interests – to ensure that licensing and governance standards do not compromise the cultural and historical integrity of clubs.

Trevor Watkins, sport law expert at Pinsent Masons, said the finalisation of the regulator’s rules would put the spotlight on club leadership to make sure they are in full compliance.

“The publication of the IFR's final rules signifies a new regulatory framework for English football which includes new licensing requirements, governance standards, and enforcement powers,” he said.

“Clubs need to get grips with the new licensing obligations and owners and executives of clubs also need to fully understand and ensure they meet Owners, Directors, and Senior Executives (ODSE) regime standards.

“We await to see the approach the IFR will take against any non-compliance with the new rules and to protecting fans’ interests.”

The rules, finalised at the start of July, introduce mandatory reporting requirements to the IFR for licencing - including submitting full financial plans, corporate governance reports and fan consultation reports annually.

Clubs will first apply for a provisional licence, which will last up to three years but can be extended in specific circumstances. While licences will not need to be renewed, sides relegated from the National League will need to reapply for their provisional licence on promotion, even if it they come straight back up.

The IFR will not grant a full licence until the club has completed at least one round of reporting – meaning the earliest a full licence may be granted is June 2028 for clubs currently in scope.

As part of the governance approach, club owners and senior executives will fall under the new ODSE rules, requiring them to demonstrate financial soundness and competence. Under the rules, the IFR will be able to investigate and gather information on club leadership and take enforcement action against unsuitable owners to protect clubs from mismanagement - with powers coming into effect from 12 December 2026, and expanded approval requirements for new owners and executives starting May 2026.

Heritage protection requirements will prevent club owners from changing crests, home shirt colours or name without approval, with extra consultation requirements with fans required around these areas.

Gabrielle Armstrong, a sports governance expert with Pinsent Masons, said the finalised rules would help ensure the regulator had teeth to act in the best interests of the game.

“The IFR final rules create a robust regulatory framework for English football, combining licensing requirements, governance standards, and enforcement powers,” she explained.

“It will mean the regulator has the authority to act against non-compliance, all while safeguarding club heritage and fan interests.”