Complyport offers practical regulatory support for football clubs under the Independent Football Regulator regime.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has been established to protect and promote the sustainability of English football. For clubs within scope, this brings new requirements across licensing, financial resilience, corporate governance, fan engagement, ownership and senior management, club heritage, regulatory notifications and information requirements.
Complyport provides specialist regulatory consulting and assurance services to football clubs, Boards, owners and senior management. We work with clients to interpret their regulatory obligations, assess existing arrangements and put in place the governance, controls, processes and evidence required to meet legal expectations, IFR expectations and best practice standards.
Our experience and governance expertise make us well placed to help clubs adapt to the new regulatory regime with confidence.
Assess the club’s readiness against applicable IFR requirements and support preparation for licensing, regulatory submissions and associated evidence requirements.
Support clubs in establishing effective processes for ownership changes, Senior Management Functions, suitability assessments, appointments, notifications and ongoing ODSE requirements.
Provide retained or periodic support to maintain the club’s regulatory framework, including regulatory monitoring, KYC and Due Diligence support, control testing, reporting, recurring obligations, event-driven requirements and remediation oversight.
Support the club in addressing identified regulatory and governance weaknesses through practical implementation of policies, controls, processes, reporting and other remedial measures. Review the club’s fan engagement and heritage related decisions and practices
The Football Governance Act 2025 has introduced a statutory regulatory framework for professional football in England, overseen by the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). The top five tiers of English men’s football are within scope, and the clubs are subject to an ongoing licensing and supervisory regime covering financial resilience, corporate governance, fan engagement, ownership and senior management, club heritage, regulatory reporting and information requirements.
Meeting these requirements requires more than regulatory awareness. Clubs need clear accountability, effective governance and controls, appropriate supporting evidence and processes for identifying and responding to regulatory obligations as they arise.
Failure to meet applicable Football Governance Act, IFR Rule or licence requirements can result in regulatory intervention. Depending on the circumstances, the IFR has powers that include investigation, enforcement action, financial penalties and measures affecting a club's licence, as well as specific powers relating to owners and senior management.
Weak governance or ineffective controls can also expose a club to missed regulatory deadlines, failures to notify the IFR, incomplete or inaccurate regulatory information and increased scrutiny. Establishing an effective compliance framework allows Boards and senior management to identify these risks early and demonstrate appropriate oversight of the club's regulatory responsibilities.
We work with clubs preparing for IFR licensing and those establishing the governance, controls and reporting arrangements required to maintain compliance on an ongoing basis.
Our work can range from a targeted review of a particular regulatory requirement to a club-wide assessment of the IFR control framework.
The IFR regime places significant importance on governance, accountability and oversight.
We work with Chairs, directors, Chief Executives, Finance Directors, Company Secretaries and other senior leaders to establish clear responsibilities, effective Board oversight and appropriate management reporting.
The Football Governance Act and IFR ODSE regime introduce specific requirements relating to club ownership and prospective ownership.
We can provide regulatory readiness and governance support to existing and prospective owners, including support with the processes, information and internal governance associated with IFR requirements.
We support clubs in establishing appropriate arrangements for directors and Senior Managers falling within the ODSE framework.
This can include Senior Management Function mapping, appointment procedures, suitability processes, regulatory notifications, changes in circumstances, temporary appointments and ongoing record keeping.
Where investment, ownership or significant corporate transactions involve an IFR-regulated club, regulatory requirements may need to be considered alongside the commercial transaction.
Complyport can provide regulatory governance and readiness support as part of that process, working alongside the club's legal, financial and other professional advisers where appropriate.
Expert support for IFR licensing and authorisation applications, from readiness to approval.
Frameworks for governance, SMF-style roles and fit-and-proper assessments for owners and officers.
Design and enhancement of AML, KYC and sanctions systems to meet IFR expectations.
Training and interview preparation, plus support with returns and ongoing regulatory reporting.
Complyport has published an article covering the AML risks facing football clubs, including ownership structures, investor funds, sponsorships and transfers, and how CDD, EDD and monitoring can help.
Over 25 years' experience in the financial services industry, ensuring your firm stays ahead of evolving regulations.
From AML audits to Governance reviews, risk management and regulatory reporting, all tailored to your compliance needs.
Solutions specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring effectiveness.
We prioritise open and transparent communication, building strong relationships with our clients.
Seasoned professionals, including former regulators, provide deep insights and practical advice.
Design and cutting-edge solutions that enhance compliance processes with advanced technology.
Establish the club's current position through an IFR Regulatory Readiness & Governance Assessment.
Address identified governance, process and control weaknesses.
Support the club with licensing, regulatory reporting and other IFR requirements.
Provide ongoing regulatory monitoring, control testing and independent assurance.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can support your club.
