A new era of accountability for English football club owners begins next week, as the freshly established Independent Football Regulator (IFR) activates its powers to investigate and act against unsuitable custodians of the beautiful game.
Regulator's Powers Come Into Force
From 12 December 2025, the IFR will be able to formally scrutinise club owners, directors, and senior executives under its finalised Owners, Directors and Senior Executives (ODSE) criteria. This marks a significant step in the regulator's mission to enforce stability and sustainability throughout the football pyramid.
The regulator, created by the Football Governance Act which received Royal Assent in July, will have the authority to gather information, launch investigations, and demand corrective action. In the most severe cases, this includes the power to force the removal of an owner deemed unfit.
A New Test for Prospective Owners
Further tightening the rules, from next year, any new owner, director, or senior executive joining a club in the top five tiers of English football must first pass a stringent approval test administered by the IFR. This pre-emptive measure aims to prevent problematic individuals from taking control in the first place.
The regulator will also collaborate with law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Serious Fraud Office, to support their work. Earlier revelations indicated that rogue owners could even face criminal prosecution, with acts like document destruction being treated as potential crimes by the IFR.
Leadership and Political Backing
The IFR is chaired by David Kogan, with Richard Monks serving as its chief executive. Kogan stated that the publication of the ODSE criteria was "the latest step to ensure that the precepts of the Act will be followed."
Chief Executive Richard Monks declared: "A new era for football governance is here. The test applies to every club across the top five tiers, and we have the tools to act quickly to help foster sustainable investment in the game."
The legislation was formulated by the previous Conservative government and enacted by the current administration. Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock emphasised the government's commitment, stating: "Our message has been clear throughout: that owners and directors are, first and foremost, custodians of their clubs. The Regulator now has the power to hold those who do not to account."
The appointment process for the chair, however, has faced scrutiny after Sir William Shawcross identified three breaches of the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
