Football Governance Act 2025

• (1) A fan consultation condition is a condition requiring a club to carry out regular consultation on relevant matters with—

• (a) persons elected by the club’s fans to represent their views, or

• (b) persons otherwise appearing to the IFR to represent the views of the club’s fans.

• (2) So far as the condition requires consultation with persons within sub-paragraph (1)(a), the condition may require the club to constitute a group of such persons for that purpose.

• (3) In considering whether the condition should require consultation with persons within sub-paragraph (1)(a), the IFR must have regard to—

• (a) the club’s corporate governance arrangements,

• (b) the size and composition of the club’s fanbase, and

• (c) the club’s financial and non-financial resources.

• (4) In sub-paragraph (1) “relevant matters” has the meaning given by paragraph 4(2) of Schedule 4.

• (5) In sub-paragraph (3) “corporate governance” has the meaning given by paragraph 7(2).

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• (1) The condition may require the consultation to take place by specified means or at specified intervals.

• (2) In considering what to specify for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), the IFR must have regard to—

• (a) the size and composition of the club’s fanbase, and

• (b) the club’s financial and non-financial resources.

Annual declaration

10

An annual declaration condition is a condition requiring a club to submit an annual declaration to the IFR on a specified date or at specified intervals.

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The condition must require the declaration to contain—

• (a) either—

• (i) a description of any matter notified, or that should have been notified, to the IFR in accordance with section 27, 33 or 50 during the previous 12 months, or

• (ii) a statement that there were no such matters to notify, and

• (b) such other specified information.

Interpretation

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In this Schedule, “specified” (unless stated otherwise) means specified from time to time by the IFR in the condition concerned.

Schedule 6 — Commitments in lieu of financial discretionary licence conditions

Application of Schedule

1

This Schedule applies for the purposes of commitments mentioned in section 23(3)(c)(ii) in relation to—

• (a) the IFR accepting a commitment from a specified competition organiser,

• (b) the IFR accepting a variation of a commitment (a “requested variation”), or

• (c) the IFR releasing a specified competition organiser from a commitment.

Procedure for accepting a commitment or requested variation

2

• (1) Before accepting a commitment or a requested variation from a specified competition organiser, the IFR must—

• (a) give a notice to the club concerned, and

• (b) have regard to any representations made in accordance with the notice.

• (2) The notice must—

• (a) include the commitment or requested variation that the IFR proposes to accept,

• (b) give the IFR’s reasons for proposing to accept the commitment or variation, and

• (c) specify the period within which representations may be made in relation to the proposed commitment or variation.

• (3) The period specified in the notice for making representations must be a period of not less than 14 days beginning with the day on which the notice is given.

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The IFR must, as soon as reasonably practicable after deciding whether to accept a commitment or requested variation, give a notice of its decision to the club and the specified competition organiser concerned.

4

Paragraph 2 does not apply in relation to a proposed variation which the IFR does not consider material.

Procedure for releasing a specified competition organiser from a commitment

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• (1) Before releasing a specified competition organiser from a commitment, the IFR must—

• (a) give a notice to the club concerned and the specified competition organiser, and

• (b) have regard to any representations made in accordance with the notice.

• (2) The notice must—

• (a) include a statement that the IFR proposes to release the specified competition organiser from the commitment,

• (b) give the reasons for the IFR’s proposal, and

• (c) specify the period within which representations may be made in relation to the proposal.

• (3) The period specified in the notice for making representations must be a period of not less than 14 days beginning with the day on which the notice is given.

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The IFR must, as soon as reasonably practicable after deciding whether to release a specified competition organiser from a commitment, give a notice of its decision to the club and the specified competition organiser concerned.

Schedule 7 — Meaning of “relevant infringement”

Introduction

1

This Schedule sets out when a person commits a relevant infringement for the purposes of this Act.

Relevant infringements committed by clubs

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• (1) A club commits a relevant infringement if it—

• (a) operates a relevant team, and

• (b) does not hold an operating licence.

• (2) A club also commits a relevant infringement if the club fails to comply with—

• (a) a condition attached to an operating licence held by it;

• (b) a requirement imposed on it by section 27 or 33;

• (c) a direction given to it under section 40, 41 or 42;

• (d) a requirement imposed on it by or under an order under section 43;

• (e) a duty or prohibition imposed on it by any of sections 45 to 53;

• (f) a commitment accepted under section 70;

• (g) an urgent direction under section 79;

• (h) any rule made by the IFR.

• (3) A club also commits a relevant infringement if the club fails to co-operate with or assist, or otherwise obstructs—

• (a) an individual appointed as an officer by virtue of an order under section 42;

• (b) a trustee appointed by virtue of an order under section 43;

• (c) an expert reporter appointed under section 66;

• (d) a skilled person appointed by virtue of paragraph 5 of Schedule 9.

• (4) A club is deemed to have committed a relevant infringement if—

• (a) instead of granting the club a full operating licence in accordance with section 18(6)(a), the IFR—

• (i) specifies a further period for which the club’s provisional operating licence is to have effect in accordance with section 18(6)(b), or

• (ii) revokes the club’s provisional operating licence in accordance with section 19;

• (b) an owner of the club fails to comply with—

• (i) a direction given to the owner under section 39 or 41, or

• (ii) a requirement imposed on the owner by or under an order under section 43;

• (c) an officer of the club fails to comply with a direction given to the officer under section 40 or 41;

• (d) an owner or officer of the club fails to co-operate with or assist, or otherwise obstructs—

• (i) an individual appointed as an officer by virtue of an order under section 42;

• (ii) a trustee appointed by virtue of an order under section 43.

Relevant infringements committed by owners of clubs

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An owner of a club commits a relevant infringement if the owner—

• (a) fails to comply with a requirement imposed on the owner by section 27 or 33;

• (b) fails to comply with—

• (i) a direction given to the owner under section 39 or 41, or

• (ii) a requirement imposed on the owner by or under an order under section 43;

• (c) fails to co-operate with or assist, or otherwise obstructs—

• (i) an individual appointed as an officer by virtue of an order under section 42;

• (ii) a trustee appointed by virtue of an order under section 43;

• (d) fails to comply with a commitment accepted under section 70;

• (e) fails to comply with an urgent direction under section 79;

• (f) fails to comply with any rule made by the IFR.

Relevant infringements committed by officers of clubs

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An officer of a club commits a relevant infringement if the officer—

• (a) fails to comply with a requirement imposed on the officer by section 27 or 33;

• (b) fails to comply with a direction given to the officer under section 40 or 41;

• (c) fails to co-operate with or assist, or otherwise obstructs—

• (i) an individual appointed as an officer by virtue of an order under section 42;

• (ii) a trustee appointed by virtue of an order under section 43;

• (d) fails to comply with a commitment accepted under section 70;

• (e) fails to comply with an urgent direction under section 79;

• (f) fails to comply with any rule made by the IFR.

Relevant infringements committed by senior managers of clubs

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• (1) A senior manager of a club commits a relevant infringement if—

• (a) the club, without reasonable excuse, commits a relevant infringement, and

• (b) the relevant infringement is connected to a senior management function carried out by the senior manager.

• (2) A senior manager also commits a relevant infringement if the senior manager fails to comply with a commitment accepted under section 70.

Relevant infringements committed by specified competition organisers

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A specified competition organiser commits a relevant infringement if the organiser fails to comply with—

• (a) a commitment accepted by the IFR under section 24;

• (b) a requirement imposed by section 55 (duties to notify and consult with the IFR);

• (c) a distribution order made under section 62;

• (d) a commitment accepted under section 70;

• (e) an urgent direction under section 79;

• (f) any rule made by the IFR.

Relevant infringements committed by other persons

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A person who is not a club, an owner or officer of a club or a specified competition organiser commits a relevant infringement if the person fails to comply with a requirement imposed on the person by—

• (a) section 27 (duty to notify where prospect of becoming a new owner or officer);

• (b) section 46 (duty not to dispose of etc home ground without approval);

• (c) section 47 (duty not to appoint administrator without approval);

• (d) an urgent direction under section 79;

• (e) any rule made by the IFR.

Schedule 8 — Investigatory powers

Application of this Schedule

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This Schedule applies where the IFR decides to conduct an investigation under section 68 into whether a person has committed a relevant infringement.

Power to ask questions

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• (1) The IFR may give any person (whether or not the person mentioned in paragraph 1) a notice (“an interview notice”) requiring the person to answer questions that relate to any matter relevant to the investigation.

• (2) An interview notice must—

• (a) include details of the investigation;

• (b) state the place at which, or the manner in which (which may be remote), the person is to answer the questions;

• (c) state the time at which the person is to answer the questions;

• (d) include information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with the notice.

Power to enter business premises under a warrant

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• (1) On an application made to it by the IFR, the court or Tribunal may issue a warrant if it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is on, or accessible from, any business premises information that relates to any matter relevant to the investigation (“relevant information”).

• (2) A warrant under this paragraph authorises an officer of the IFR named in the warrant (“the authorised officer”), and any other of the IFR’s officers whom the IFR’s Board has authorised in writing to accompany the authorised officer, to—

• (a) enter the premises specified in the warrant, using such force as is reasonably necessary;

• (b) take onto the premises such equipment as appears to the authorised officer to be necessary;

• (c) search the premises for information appearing to be relevant information;

• (d) operate any equipment found on the premises for the purpose of producing information;

• (e) require any person on the premises to provide such assistance as the authorised officer may reasonably require (including providing passwords or encryption keys and operating equipment on the premises);

• (f) require any person on the premises to give information to the authorised officer;

• (g) require any person on the premises to state, to the best of their knowledge and belief, where relevant information may be found;

• (h) take copies of, or extracts from, any information appearing to be relevant information;

• (i) take possession of any information appearing to be relevant information that is produced under paragraph (d) or given to the authorised officer under paragraph (f);

• (j) take possession of any other information appearing to be relevant information if—

• (i) such action appears to be necessary for preserving the information or preventing interference with it, or

• (ii) it is not reasonably practicable to take copies of the information on the premises;

• (k) take any other steps which appear to be necessary for the purpose of preserving any information appearing to be relevant information or preventing interference with it.

• (3) Any information which is given to an officer under sub-paragraph (2) must be in a form—

• (a) in which it can be taken away, and

• (b) which is visible and legible or from which it can be readily be generated in a visible and legible form.

• (4) A warrant under this paragraph may authorise persons specified in the warrant to accompany the authorised officer who is executing it.

• (5) A warrant under this paragraph continues in force until the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which it is issued.

• (6) Any information which the IFR obtains under sub-paragraph (2) may be retained by the IFR for so long as is necessary in all the circumstances.

• (7) An application for a warrant under this paragraph must—

• (a) in the case of an application to the court, be made in accordance with rules of court;

• (b) in the case of an application to the Tribunal, be made in accordance with Tribunal Procedure Rules.

• (8) The IFR may not make an application under this paragraph to the court or the Tribunal unless the IFR’s Board has approved the making of the application.

• (9) In this paragraph, “court” means the High Court.

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• (1) A warrant under paragraph 3 must describe—

• (a) the subject-matter and purpose of the investigation;

• (b) the offence created by section 78(5).

• (2) The powers conferred by paragraph 3 are exercisable only on production of the warrant issued under that paragraph.

• (3) Before executing a warrant under paragraph 3, the authorised officer must—

• (a) take reasonable steps to inform the occupier of the premises of the intended entry, and

• (b) afford the occupier or their legal or other representative a reasonable opportunity to be present when the warrant is executed.

• (4) But sub-paragraph (3) does not apply if the authorised officer considers that so informing the occupier would prejudice the execution of the warrant.

• (5) If the authorised officer is unable to, or under sub-paragraph (4) does not, inform the occupier of the intended entry they must, when executing the warrant, leave a copy of it in a prominent place on the premises.

• (6) On leaving any premises which they have entered by virtue of a warrant under paragraph 3, the authorised officer must, if the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent, leave them as effectively secured as they found them.

Schedule 9 — Sanctions

Part 1 — Sanctions relating to information etc

Introduction

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Paragraphs 2 and 3 apply where—

• (a) the IFR determines that a person (“P”) has, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with an information requirement (see section 75(2)), or

• (b) the IFR is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that P has committed an offence under section 78.

Censure statements

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• (1) The IFR may prepare and publish a censure statement.

• (2) A censure statement is a statement that—

• (a) states the identity of P,

• (b) states the information requirement that the IFR has determined that P has failed to comply with or the offence that the IFR is satisfied P has committed,

• (c) explains why the IFR determined that P failed to comply with that requirement or is satisfied that P committed the offence (as the case may be), and

• (d) explains why the IFR considers it appropriate to publish a statement under this paragraph in respect of P.

Financial penalties

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• (1) The IFR may impose a financial penalty on P.

• (2) The amount of a penalty imposed under this paragraph may be such amount as the IFR considers appropriate, provided it does not exceed the amount set out in whichever of sub-paragraphs (5) to (9) applies.

• (3) Where the IFR imposes a penalty under this paragraph it may provide that the amount of the penalty is reduced to, or by, a specified amount if the penalty is paid before a day specified in a decision notice under section 77.

• (4) The amount of a penalty imposed under this paragraph must be—

• (a) a fixed amount,

• (b) an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or

• (c) a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (5) Where P is a club or a competition organiser, the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, an amount equal to 10% of the total revenue of the club or organiser (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day an amount equal to 10% of the daily revenue of the club or organiser (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (6) Where P is a body that is not a regulated club but has been a regulated club, the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the total revenue of the body’s (both within and outside the United Kingdom), and

• (ii) £75,000;

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the daily revenue of the body (both inside and outside the United Kingdom), and

• (ii) £25,000;

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (7) Where P is an owner of a club (including where P is also a senior manager or other officer of the club), the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, an amount equal to 10% of the total revenue of the club (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day an amount equal to 10% of the daily revenue of the club (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (8) Where P is an officer of a club (including where P is a senior manager of the club, but not where P is also an owner of the club), the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the officer’s remuneration, and

• (ii) £75,000;

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the officer’s daily remuneration, and

• (ii) £25,000;

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (9) In any other case, the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, £75,000;

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, £25,000 per day;

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (10) Where a club or body is an undertaking that is part of a group, references in sub-paragraphs (5), (6) and (7) to the revenue of the club or body are to the revenue of that group.

Part 2 — Sanctions relating to relevant infringements

Censure statements

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• (1) This paragraph applies where the IFR determines (whether as a result of an investigation or otherwise) that a person (“P”) has, without reasonable excuse, committed a relevant infringement.

• (2) The IFR may prepare and publish a censure statement.

• (3) A censure statement is a statement that—

• (a) states the identity of P,

• (b) states the relevant infringement that the IFR has determined that P has committed,

• (c) explains why the IFR determined that P has committed the relevant infringement, and

• (d) explains why the IFR considers it appropriate to publish a statement under this paragraph in respect of P.

Appointment of a skilled person

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• (1) This paragraph applies where—

• (a) the IFR determines (whether as a result of an investigation or otherwise) that a club has, without reasonable excuse, committed a relevant infringement, and

• (b) the infringement is continuing.

• (2) The IFR may require the club to appoint a person nominated by the IFR (“a skilled person”) to assist the club in bringing the relevant infringement to an end.

• (3) The IFR may only nominate a person if the IFR is satisfied that the person—

• (a) has the skills necessary to assist the club in bringing the relevant infringement to an end, and

• (b) does not have a conflict of interest.

• (4) Where a skilled person is appointed by virtue of this paragraph, the club must—

• (a) co-operate with the skilled person, and

• (b) give the skilled person such reasonable assistance as the skilled person requests (including access to business premises, equipment, services, information and individuals),

in connection with bringing the relevant infringement to an end.

Financial penalties

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• (1) This paragraph applies where the IFR determines (whether as a result of an investigation or otherwise) that a person (“P”) has, without reasonable excuse, committed a relevant infringement.

• (2) The IFR may impose a financial penalty on P.

• (3) The amount of a penalty imposed under this paragraph may be such amount as the IFR considers appropriate, provided it does not exceed the amount set out in whichever of sub-paragraphs (6) to (10) applies.

• (4) Where the IFR imposes a penalty under this paragraph it may provide that the amount of the penalty is reduced to, or by, a specified amount if the penalty is paid before a day specified in a decision notice under section 77.

• (5) The amount of a penalty imposed under this paragraph must be—

• (a) a fixed amount,

• (b) an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or

• (c) a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (6) Where P is a club or a competition organiser, the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, an amount equal to 10% of the total revenue of the club or organiser (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day an amount equal to 10% of the daily revenue of the club or organiser (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (7) Where P is a body that is not a regulated club but has been a regulated club, the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the total revenue of the body’s (both within and outside the United Kingdom), and

• (ii) £75,000;

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the daily revenue of the body (both inside and outside the United Kingdom), and

• (ii) £25,000;

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (8) Where P is an owner of a club (including where P is also a senior manager or other officer of the club), the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, an amount equal to 10% of the total revenue of the club (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day an amount equal to 10% of the daily revenue of the club (both inside and outside the United Kingdom);

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (9) Where P is an officer of a club (including where P is a senior manager of the club but not where P is also an owner of the club), the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the officer’s remuneration, and

• (ii) £75,000;

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, for each day the higher of—

• (i) an amount equal to 10% of the officer’s daily remuneration, and

• (ii) £25,000;

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (10) In any other case, the maximum amount of a penalty that may be imposed under this paragraph is—

• (a) in the case of a fixed amount, £75,000;

• (b) in the case of an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, £25,000 per day;

• (c) in the case of a combination of a fixed amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, the amount specified in—

• (i) paragraph (a), in relation to the fixed amount, and

• (ii) paragraph (b), in relation to the amount calculated by reference to a daily rate.

• (11) Where a club or body is an undertaking that is part of a group, references in sub-paragraphs (6), (7) and (8) to the revenue of the club or body are to the revenue of that group.

Injunctive relief

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• (1) This paragraph applies where—

• (a) the IFR determines (whether as a result of an investigation or otherwise) that a person has, without reasonable excuse, committed a relevant infringement to which sub-paragraph (2) applies, and

• (b) the relevant infringement is continuing.

• (2) This sub-paragraph applies to relevant infringements that are relevant infringements by virtue of any of the following provisions of Schedule 7—

• (a) paragraph 2(1);

• (b) paragraph 2(2)(c), (d) or (g);

• (c) paragraph 2(3)(a) or (b);

• (d) paragraph 3(b), (c) or (e);

• (e) paragraph 4(b), (c) or (e);

• (f) paragraph 6(c) or (e);

• (g) paragraph 7(d).

• (3) The IFR may apply to the Tribunal for an injunction to bring the relevant infringement to an end.

• (4) Tribunal Procedure Rules may make provision about the transfer from the Tribunal to the High Court of all or any part of an application under sub-paragraph (3).

Suspension or revocation of operating licence

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• (1) Paragraph 9 applies where—

• (a) the IFR determines (whether as a result of an investigation or otherwise) that a club has, without reasonable excuse, committed a relevant infringement, and

• (b) one or more of the aggravating conditions are met in relation to the relevant infringement.

• (2) The first aggravating condition is that—

• (a) the relevant infringement is intentional and persistent, and

• (b) the IFR has already taken action in accordance with this Part of this Schedule and considers that there is no further action it could take under this Part of this Schedule (other than action under paragraph 9) that would bring the relevant infringement to an end.

• (3) The second aggravating condition is that—

• (a) the club has intentionally and persistently failed to co-operate with the IFR in relation to any investigation into the relevant infringement, and

• (b) the IFR has already taken action in accordance with this Part of this Schedule and considers that there is no further action it could take under this Part of this Schedule (other than action under paragraph 9) that would bring the relevant infringement to an end.

• (4) The third aggravating condition is that the relevant infringement jeopardises the IFR’s ability to advance one or more of its objectives.

• (5) For the purposes of this paragraph, behaviour is persistent if the behaviour has occurred on a sufficient number of occasions for it to be clear that it represents a pattern of behaviour or practice.

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• (1) The IFR may—

• (a) suspend the club’s operating licence, or

• (b) revoke the club’s operating licence from a day specified by the IFR.

• (2) Where the IFR suspends an operating licence—

• (a) it must specify in a decision notice under section 77 the day on which the suspension takes effect, and

• (b) it must specify in that notice either—

• (i) the period for which the operating licence will be suspended, or

• (ii) that the operating licence is to be suspended until some event specified in the notice occurs (which may be the giving of a further notice by the IFR).

• (3) Where a decision notice under section 77 is given during a football season, the date specified in that notice for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(a) may not be a date before the end of that season.

• (4) Nothing in this paragraph prevents the IFR from—

• (a) re-exercising the power in this paragraph to suspend an operating licence after a previous suspension of the licence has come to an end, or

• (b) revoking an operating licence after a suspension of the licence has come to an end.

Part 3 — Further provision about financial penalties

Interpretation

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For the purposes of paragraphs 3 and 6—

• (a) an undertaking (with the meaning of Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998) is part of a group if one or more bodies corporate which are comprised in the undertaking are members of the same group as one or more other bodies corporate;

• (b) two or more bodies corporate are members of the same group if—

• (i) one is the subsidiary of another, or

• (ii) both are subsidiaries of the same body corporate;

• (c) “subsidiary” has the meaning given by section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006.

Penalties imposed by reference to a daily rate

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• (1) In imposing a penalty under paragraph 3 or 6 by reference to a daily rate—

• (a) no account is to be taken of any days before the IFR gives the person concerned a warning notice under section 76, and

• (b) unless (whether before or after the penalty is imposed) the IFR determines an earlier day, the amount payable ceases to accumulate at the beginning of the day on which the conduct giving rise to the penalty ceases.

• (2) Where the IFR imposes a penalty under paragraph 3 or 6 by reference to a daily rate, the decision notice under section 77 must state the day on which the amount first starts to accumulate and the day or days on which it might cease to accumulate.

Revenue and remuneration

12

• (1) For the purposes of paragraphs 3 and 6, the IFR may by rules (“revenue rules”) make provision for determining—

• (a) a person’s total and daily revenue;

• (b) an officer’s remuneration and daily remuneration.

• (2) Revenue rules may, among other things, make provision about—

• (a) amounts which are, or are not, to be included in a person’s revenue;

• (b) amounts which are, or are not, to be included in an officer’s remuneration;

• (c) the period or periods by reference to which a person’s revenue is to be determined;

• (d) the period or periods by reference to which an officer’s remuneration is to be determined.

• (3) Before making, amending or replacing revenue rules the IFR must consult the Secretary of State.

• (4) Sub-paragraph (3) does not apply in relation to amendments to or replacements of revenue rules if the IFR considers the changes to be minor.

• (5) The consultation must include a draft of the proposed revenue rules.

Interest

13

• (1) If the whole or part of a penalty imposed under paragraph 3 or 6 is not paid by the day by which it is required to be paid, the unpaid balance carries interest at an annual percentage rate of 5% plus the Bank of England base rate.

• (2) But the IFR may, by notice to the person on whom the penalty is imposed, provide that this paragraph does not apply in relation to the penalty.

Recovery as a civil debt

14

• (1) Where a penalty imposed under paragraph 3 or 6, or any part of such a penalty, has not been paid by the day by which it is required to be paid, the IFR may recover from the person on whom the penalty was imposed any amount of the penalty and interest that has not been paid.

• (2) Such an amount may be recovered as a civil debt due to the IFR.

Power to amend figures

15

The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the amounts for the time being specified in—

• (a) paragraphs (a)(ii) and (b)(ii) of paragraph 3(6);

• (b) paragraphs (a)(ii) and (b)(ii) of paragraph 3(8);

• (c) paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 3(9);

• (d) paragraphs (a)(ii) and (b)(ii) of paragraph 6(7);

• (e) paragraphs (a)(ii) and (b)(ii) of paragraph 6(9);

• (f) paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 6(10).

Schedule 10 — Reviews

Decision of the IFR (“the reviewable decision”)	Who carries out the review (the “applicable reviewer”)
to refuse to grant a provisional operating licence under section 17	a committee of the Expert Panel
to specify a further period for which a provisional operating licence is to have effect under section 18(6)(b)	a committee of the Expert Panel
to revoke a provisional operating licence under section 19	the Board
to attach a discretionary licence condition, to vary or remove, or to not vary or remove, a discretionary licence condition attached, to an operating licence under section 21	a committee of the Expert Panel
to accept, or not to accept, a commitment mentioned in section 23(3)(c)(ii)	a committee of the Expert Panel
to release, or not release, a specified competition organiser from a commitment mentioned in section 23(3)(c)(ii)	a committee of the Expert Panel
to make a determination in relation to a person under Part 4	the Board
to make an order under section 38 (disqualification orders)	the Board
to give a direction under section 39 or 40 (removal directions)	a committee of the Expert Panel
to give a direction under section 41 (directions relating to unsuitable owners and officers)	a committee of the Expert Panel
to give a direction, or make an order, under section 42 (orders and directions effecting alternative officer arrangements)	a committee of the Expert Panel
to make an order under section 43 (ownership removal orders)	the Board
to specify, or not specify, a competition as a prohibited competition under section 45	the Board
to approve, or not to approve, the taking of any step mentioned in section 46(1) (duty not to dispose etc of home ground without approval)	a committee of the Expert Panel
to approve, or not to approve, the appointment of an administrator under section 47	a committee of the Expert Panel
to approve, or not to approve, the entering into of arrangements mentioned in section 48(1) (duty not to relocate without approval)	a committee of the Expert Panel
not to approve, or to approve with modifications, a personnel statement under section 52	a committee of the Expert Panel
to trigger, or not to trigger, a resolution process under section 59	the Board
to make a distribution order under section 62	the Board
to revoke a distribution order under section 63	the Board
to appoint an expert reporter under section 66	a committee of the Expert Panel
not to release a person from a commitment accepted under section 70	a committee of the Expert Panel
to give an urgent direction for breaches of licence conditions under section 79	a committee of the Expert Panel
to prepare and publish a censure statement under paragraph 2 or4 of Schedule 9	a committee of the Expert Panel
to require the appointment of a skilled person under paragraph 5 of Schedule 9	a committee of the Expert Panel
to impose a financial penalty under paragraph 3 or 6 of Schedule 9	a committee of the Expert Panel
to suspend or revoke an operating licence under paragraph 9 of Schedule 9	the Board

Schedule 11 — Index of defined terms

affirmative determination	section 28(1)
applicable reviewer	section 81(2) and Schedule 10
Bank of England base rate	section 92(1)
the Board	paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 2
business premises	section 92(1)
chargeable period	section 53(11)
closure notice	section 69
club	section 2(1)
the club financial soundness objective	section 6
commitment	section 24 (in Part 3) and section 70 (in Part 7)
competition	section 2(1)
competition organiser	section 2(1)
concerned person	section 81(2)
conflict of interest	section 92(1)
decision notice	section 77
discretionary licence condition	section 21
distribution agreement	section 56(5)
distribution order	section 56(5)
English football	section 2(1)
English team	section 2(4)
Expert Panel	paragraphs 1 and 23 of Schedule 2
expert reporter	section 66
the fan engagement threshold requirement	paragraph 4 of Schedule 4
the financial resources threshold requirement	paragraph 2 of Schedule 4
the Football Association	section 92(1)
football	section 2(1)
football club	section 2(1)
football governance statement	section 11
football season	section 92(1)
full operating licence	section 15(3)
HMRC	section 92(1)
the IFR	sections 1(2)(a) and 2(1)
the IFR’s objectives	section 6
the IFR’s regulatory principles	section 8
individual ownership fitness criteria	section 26(7)
information	section 92(1)
information requirement	section 75(2)
levy rules	section 53(2)
licensed club	section 2(1)
mandatory licence condition	section 20 and Schedule 5
the non-financial resources threshold requirement	paragraph 3 of Schedule 4
officer	section 4
officer fitness criteria	section 26(8)
operates	section 2(2)
operating licence	section 2(1)
owner	section 3(1) and Schedule 1
personnel statement	section 16(4)
provisional operating licence	section 15(2)
qualifying football season	section 56(5)
regulated club	section 2(1)
registered society	section 92(1)
relegation revenue	section 62(9)
relevant infringement	section 67 and Schedule 7
relevant revenue	section 56(2)
relevant team	section 2(1)
resolution process	section 56(5)
revenue rules	paragraph 12(1) of Schedule 9
reviewable decision	section 81(2) and Schedule 10
senior manager	section 4(4)
senior management function	section 4(5)
serious criminal conduct	section 92(2)
skilled person	paragraph 5 of Schedule 9
specified competition	section 2(1)
specified competition organiser	section 2(1)
state of the game report	section 10
the systemic financial resilience objective	section 6
team	section 2(1)
threshold requirements	paragraph 1 of Schedule 4
the Tribunal	section 92(1)
Tribunal Procedure Rules	section 92(1)
ultimate owner	section 3(2)
urgent direction	section 79(2)
warning notice	section 76

Schedule 12 — Minor and consequential amendments

Public Records Act 1958

1

In Schedule 1 to the Public Records Act 1958 (definition of public records), in paragraph 3, in Part 2 of the Table, at the appropriate place insert—

• The Independent Football Regulator.

Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967

2

In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments etc subject to investigation), at the appropriate place insert—

• The Independent Football Regulator.

House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975

3

In Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which all members are disqualified), at the appropriate place insert—

• The Independent Football Regulator.

Freedom of Information Act 2000

4

In Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (other public bodies and offices: general), at the appropriate place insert—

• The Independent Football Regulator.

Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001

5

• (1) The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 is amended as follows.

• (2) In section 50 (additional powers of seizure from premises), in subsection (7), after “section 74(2)(h) of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024” insert “or paragraph 3(2)(h) of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025”.

• (3) In section 57 (retention of seized items), in subsection (1), at the end insert—

(w) paragraph 3(6) of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025.

• (4) In section 63(1) (powers of seizure: copies), in paragraph (d), after “section 74(2)(d) and (f) of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024” insert “, and in paragraph 3(2)(d) and (f) of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025”.

• (5) In section 64 (meaning of “appropriate judicial authority”)—

• (a) in subsection (1), in the words before paragraph (a), for “subsection (2)” substitute “subsections (2) and (4)”;

• (b) after subsection (3) insert—

(4) In this Part “appropriate judicial authority”, in relation to the seizure of documents under paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025 and in relation to documents seized under that power, means the High Court.

• (6) In section 65 (meaning of “legal privilege”), after subsection (3B) insert—

(3C) In relation to property which has been seized in exercise, or purported exercise, of— (a) the power of seizure conferred by paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025, or (b) so much of any power of seizure conferred by section 50 as is exercisable by reference to that power, references in this Part to an item subject to legal privilege are to be read as references to a privileged communication within the meaning of section 73(3) of that Act.

• (7) In section 66(5) (general interpretation of Part 2), after paragraph (j) insert—

(k) paragraph 3(2)(j) of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025.

• (8) In Part 1 of Schedule 1 (powers of seizure to which section 50 applies), at the end insert—

(73X) Each of the powers of seizure conferred by paragraph 3(2)(i) and (j) of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025 (seizure of information for the purposes of an investigation).

Enterprise Act 2002

6

Schedule 4 to the Enterprise Act 2002 (the Competition Appeal Tribunal: procedure) is amended as follows.

7

• (1) Paragraph 1A (enforcement of injunctions in England and Wales and Northern Ireland) is amended as follows.

• (2) In sub-paragraph (1), for “proceedings under” to “the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024” substitute “relevant proceedings”.

• (3) After sub-paragraph (3) insert—

(4) For the purposes of this paragraph, “relevant proceedings” means proceedings under— (a) section 47A or 47B of the 1998 Act; (b) section 101 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024; (c) paragraph 7 of Schedule 9 to the Football Governance Act 2025.

8

• (1) Paragraph 10A (Tribunal rules: institution of proceedings) is amended as follows.

• (2) In sub-paragraph (1), in the words before paragraph (a), for “warrant” to “the 1998 Act” substitute “relevant warrant”.

• (3) In sub-paragraph (2), for “warrant mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)” substitute “relevant warrant”.

• (4) After sub-paragraph (2) insert—

(3) For the purposes of this paragraph, “relevant warrant” means a warrant under— (a) section 194 of this Act; (b) section 28, 28A, 62, 62A, 63, 65G or 65H of the 1998 Act; (c) section 74 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024; (d) paragraph 3 of Schedule 8 to the Football Governance Act 2025.

Equality Act 2010

9

In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (authorities subject to the public sector equality duty), in the group of entries under the heading “Regulators”, at the appropriate place insert—

• The Independent Football Regulator.

Competition Appeal Tribunal Rules 2015 (S.I. 2015/1648)

10

• (1) The Competition Appeal Tribunal Rules 2015 (S.I. 2015/1648) are amended as follows.

• (2) In rules 3 (application of Rules)—

• (a) in paragraph (b) after “5A” insert “, 5B”;

• (b) after paragraph (b) insert—

(ba) rules 67 to 70 of Part 2 also apply to appeals under section 84 of the Football Governance Act 2025;

• (c) after paragraph (ea) insert—

(eb) Part 5B applies to appeals under section 84 of the Football Governance Act 2025 ;

• (3) After rule 98A insert—

(98B) (1) An appeal to the Tribunal under section 84 of the Football Governance Act 2025 (“the 2025 Act”) in respect of an appealable decision must be made by sending a notice of appeal within the period of 21 days beginning with the relevant day in relation to that decision. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), “appealable decision” means— (a) a reviewable decision specified in subsection (3) of section 84 of the 2025 Act, or (b) a decision or deemed decision made by an applicable reviewer in respect of such a reviewable decision under section 83 of that Act. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1), the relevant day is— (a) in relation to a decision that is an appealable decision by virtue of paragraph (2)(a), the day on which notice is given of the decision under the provision of the 2025 Act concerned; (b) in relation to a decision that is an appealable decision by virtue of paragraph (2)(b), the day on which notice of the decision or deemed decision is given under section 82 or 83 (as the case may be) of the 2025 Act. (4) For the purposes of paragraphs (2)(b) and (3)(b), a deemed decision is a decision that is treated as having been made under section 82(5)(b) or 83(6)(a) of the 2025 Act. (5) The Tribunal may not extend the time limits provided for in this rule unless it is satisfied that the circumstances are exceptional.

• (4) Nothing in this paragraph affects the power in section 15 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to revoke or amend the Competition Appeal Tribunal Rules 2015, as those Rules are amended by this paragraph.

Editorial notes