Key facts
- Clubs could face costs of up to £35 million for compliance.
- The UK Football Governance Bill was passed by MPs on July 8, 2025.
- A new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) will oversee clubs in the top five tiers of men's English football.
The UK Football Governance Bill, passed by MPs on July 8, 2025, introduces a new era of regulation for English football. The legislation aims to bolster financial resilience, enhance fan engagement, and ensure the integrity of club ownership through the establishment of an Independent Football Regulator (IFR). The IFR will have broad oversight of clubs in the top five tiers of men's English football, implementing new licensing and compliance conditions. This includes stringent suitability testing for prospective and incumbent owners and officers, examining their fitness and source of wealth.