Bullsh*t spin: Labour and Nandy slammed over Kogan football appointment Sport Business Labour has been accused of deploying “bullshit spin” in response to a report criticising the government’s appointment of David Kogan as chair of the Independent Football Regulator. A report by Sir William Shawcross declared that Department of Sport, Media and Culture secretary of state Lisa Nandy had breached the Government Code in appointing the media [...]
Football regulator may limit spending at hard-up clubs Sport Business The Independent Football Regulator will have the power to cap clubs’ spending, limit their use of debt, and require them to place money in escrow that can only be released with its blessing, according to its latest proposals. The measures are part of licensing conditions that clubs will have to meet in order to be [...]
How do you regulate the Independent Football Regulator? Sport Business Former director and chairman of AFC Bournemouth, and current global head of sport at Pinsent Masons, Trevor Watkins discusses how to regulate the Independent Football Regulator This year more than any other promises major change for English football off the field rather than on it: the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is now in the game. [...]
Nandy warns Morecambe and Sheffield change is coming August 6, 2025 Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has insisted “change is coming” for the owners of Morecambe and Sheffield Wednesday amid concerns of the futures of the football clubs. Morecambe’s 105-year history is at risk, with former Worcester Warriors owner Jason Whittingham’s failure to sell the club. Sheffield Wednesday’s players are set to fulfil their opening Championship game [...]
Is director training the answer to football’s governance woes? July 31, 2025 A new study suggests reforming football governance by testing and training directors. But is the regulator capable, asks Ed Warner? Countless millions follow professional football in England, claiming allegiance to a favourite club whose fortunes are entwined daily with each individual’s emotions, their highs and lows in seemingly unavoidable synchronicity. Turns out these essential forces [...]
Football clubs suffering from too few directors, report warns July 30, 2025 All professional football clubs in England should be mandated to have at least three directors to prevent governance failings that threaten their existence, a new report warns today. The report, by LCP’s Sports Analytics and Advisory practice and governance specialists LawDeb, highlights worryingly small boards at many clubs in the top five divisions. Fourteen clubs [...]
Why the Football Governance Bill is good news for investors and fans alike July 12, 2025 Two big forces have been reshaping football and the sporting landscape in England: the surge in regulation, and the tidal wave of investment. With the Football Governance Bill soon to enter law, the question remains if, and how well, these two forces can coexist. The stated intentions of the bill are clear enough. Make sure [...]
Fans will end up paying for football regulator, Tories warn July 9, 2025 Fans of clubs outside the Premier League should expect ticket price rises following the approval of a football regulator, Shadow Sport Minister Louie French has warned. The Championship, League One and League Two are all heavily loss-making but could face a bill of almost £50m towards the operation of the Independent Regulator for English Football. [...]
Beer we go: Football alcohol ban could be reviewed as MPs prepare to vote July 8, 2025 MPs could be asked to vote today on proposals to review the ban on football supporters consuming alcohol in the stands at matches. Fans have been prohibited from drinking in view of the pitch in the top five tiers of English professional football for the last 40 years. But that legislation could be reviewed as [...]
Football Regulator: Industry experts call out governance of sport May 27, 2025 Over 400 points have been docked from clubs in the English Football League since the Premier League launched in 1992, insight shared with City AM reveals. It points to an English top flight that has pulled away from the rest of the promotion-relegation pyramid ahead of the introduction of an Independent Football Regulator. Insight provided [...]