Morning, Tuesday, 18th November 2025
Online
This conference will focus on implementation of the Football Governance Act and priorities for the operation of the statutory Independent Football Regulator.
Independent Football Regulator
It will bring together stakeholders with policymakers to examine the regulator’s remit and early priorities, including how it should approach its statutory responsibilities related to addressing financial stability across clubs and the wider football industry, and safeguarding of the sport’s heritage.
With the IFR recently setting out plans for its licencing regime requiring all 116 clubs across the top five divisions to hold a licence from the 2027-28 season, attendees will consider conditions for financial, corporate governance, and fan engagement standards, as well as preparation for implementation. The regulator’s power to operate a licensing system and oversee revenue distribution will be discussed - including parachute payments - alongside strengthened requirements for evaluating the suitability of current and prospective ownership groups through an enhanced Owners’ and Directors’ test.
We also expect a focus on sector concerns on the practicalities of implementation and enforcement, with discussion on statutory guidance, licensing conditions, and the transition from existing governance mechanisms in the context of the IFR’s ongoing consultation on its information gathering, enforcement powers, and sanctions framework. The agenda will also reflect on how regulatory approaches can remain responsive to emerging risks and evolving market conditions. Priorities for stakeholder consultation and supporting long-term growth and sustainability of the football sector will also be considered.
Governance, compliance & reporting
Attendees will consider incoming changes to governance standards, with discussion on the scope and direction of policy relating to the forthcoming Football Club Corporate Governance Code, including the way forward for mandating compliance and assessing new requirements for clubs to publish equality, diversity and inclusion reports. How to embed best practice around board composition, decision-making processes, stakeholder engagement, and environmental, social, and governance responsibilities will also be discussed.
Ownership & investment
Sessions will explore evolving ownership models and implications for investment, with an emphasis on transparency in club acquisitions, corporate structure, and financial risk exposure. Delegates will consider how a more consistent, licence-based regime might be structured to help encourage longer-term and more transparent investment into English football, whilst also evaluating the IFR’s ongoing consultation on the Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime. We also expect discussion on concerns that stricter regulatory expectations could limit flexibility for potential buyers, create new challenges for smaller clubs, and introduce complications for multi-club ownership structures.
State of the Game report & fan engagement
The conference will also be an opportunity to discuss priorities for the forthcoming State of the Game report, including how it might inform the regulator’s approach to transparency, consistency and long-term planning. Discussion takes place in the context of the recently published Fair Game Index 2025 report, which raises financial concerns across English football and suggests only four clubs to be ‘regulator ready’. Delegates will consider the breadth of the evidence base, including financial data, governance practices, and stakeholder experience across the football pyramid.
Delegates will also assess the way forward for effective engagement with leagues, clubs, fans, and others - drawing on calls for wider and more regular consultation beyond traditional supporter groups. We expect discussion on next steps for advancing meaningful fan engagement throughout the regulator’s work, including how clubs should implement new statutory duties relating to ticket pricing, stadium relocation, and decisions affecting club identity.
Long-term growth & sustainability
Further sessions will consider the wider future of professional and semi-professional football in England, and how long-term sustainability and competitiveness can be achieved across the football system. There will be discussion of the women’s game, including priorities for visibility, investment and parity of support, and approaches to safeguarding player wellbeing across all levels of the game. Developments in fan engagement will also be considered, alongside digital innovation and commercial strategy as clubs look to diversify revenue streams and respond to changing supporter behaviour.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; Department for Business and Trade; Department for Transport; National Audit Office; and The Scottish Government.
