Cost of football regulator double initial estimate
The annual cost of England’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is projected to be £20.3m, about twice the estimate made in a 2019 assessment. From next season, clubs in the top five tiers of men’s football will pay a levy to fund the regulator, which says the spending will support a more sustainable game.
The proposed levy includes £18.3m for operating costs and potential litigation, plus £1m towards repaying an estimated £45m set-up cost over 10 years. Charges would vary by club finances: the highest-earning Premier League sides could pay up to £1.8m, while League Two clubs would pay about £6,000 and National League clubs less than £600. The IFR’s latest report says 94% of clubs are loss-making, and more than 60% of EFL and National League clubs are technically insolvent.
In short
- The regulator’s annual levy is expected to total £20.3m.
- That is roughly double the original estimate.
- Club contributions will vary according to financial capacity.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A properly funded independent regulator could help protect clubs and communities from financial mismanagement, especially when many clubs are loss-making or technically insolvent. A levy scaled to clubs’ finances asks those with greater means to contribute more, while funding oversight intended to make the game more sustainable.
The case against
The cost has risen to about twice the 2019 estimate, raising legitimate concerns about whether the regulator’s scope and spending are proportionate and well controlled. Even a scaled levy adds pressure to clubs already facing financial strain, and they may question whether regulation will deliver enough benefit to justify the expense.