Annual Cost of Independent Football Regulator Doubles for English Clubs

The annual financial obligation for English football clubs towards the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has reached £20.3 million, which is approximately double the original estimate.

This increase includes an £18.3 million levy to fund operational costs for 100 staff members, alongside £1 million allocated for potential legal expenses and another £1 million towards a total set-up cost of £45 million, to be amortized over the next decade.

Starting next season, clubs in the top five divisions of English men's football will be mandated to contribute to the IFR's funding. The IFR asserts that the new costs are manageable, although they exceed the £8-10.2 million projected in a 2019 impact assessment. The regulator aims to ensure that contributions are proportionate, with higher-earning clubs facing larger fees, while most clubs will pay around 0.1% of their annual revenues.