17 July 2025, 15:19

By Katy Ronkin

Is it time to kick the Football Regulator into the long grass?

The Football Governance Bill introduces an Independent Football Regulator (IFR) and a licensing system for professional clubs across the top five divisions in England. However, it is not universally popular and has critics from both clubs, the Premier League, and libertarians.

Originating from the Fan-Led Review of Football chaired by Dame Tracey Crouch, the Bill was first proposed by the former Conservative government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and later endorsed as part of the Labour Party’s election manifesto.

The IFR is tasked with strengthening governance, preserving club heritage, and improving financial resilience throughout the football pyramid.

In an ideal world, the IFR should not be needed. If Premier League owners could be trusted, then fans would have more confidence in their decision-making.

However, Project Big Picture, European SuperLeague, short notice for changes to kick off times, £66 tickets for kids, hints at matches taking place overseas, creative accounting to circumvent........

© LBC