The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has announced a groundbreaking licensing system aimed at ensuring financial sustainability and transparency across England's top five men's football divisions. Starting with the 2027-28 season, all 116 clubs will need to secure a license to compete, a move described as "transformational" by IFR chair David Kogan. This initiative will involve a comprehensive financial evaluation, including liquidity checks, funding sources, and long-term viability plans.
Under the proposed framework, clubs must submit detailed financial forecasts and adhere to corporate governance benchmarks. Failure to meet these criteria could result in interventions such as spending caps, debt reduction mandates, or even forced sales of clubs by owners deemed unsuitable. Kogan emphasized that the IFR would "support clubs at every step" while enforcing higher standards, stating the regulator's goal is to "reinforce long-term resilience" in the sport.
A key component of the plan is mandatory fan engagement, requiring clubs to consult supporters on critical issues like ticket pricing, heritage preservation, and business strategies. While fan input will influence decisions, they will not hold a veto power. Additionally, clubs will be obligated to publicly disclose their compliance with a new governance code, promoting accountability and informed decision-making.
The IFR has opened the measures for public consultation over the next seven weeks, with Kogan highlighting that "many clubs are operating at a loss" and that the reforms are essential to address systemic financial challenges. The regulator also warned that "unsuitable owners may be required to sell clubs as a last resort," underscoring its authority to safeguard the sport's future.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
Be the first to comment on this article!