Football Regulator’s report into state of men’s football needs to look at ‘patchwork rulebook,’ financial rules and regulatory landscape

LCP is calling for the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) to ensure that key issues around regulation and financial rules are included in its forthcoming seminal “State of the Game” report on the position of men’s football in England.

In their response to the Regulator’s consultation on the proposed scope of its first in-depth analysis of men’s football in England, LCP have highlighted several issues that the report should cover in light of some of the findings in the Fan-Led Review, such as leadership accountability and the failings in the current regulatory system.

• Fix the “patchwork” rulebook: Football’s regulatory system is fragmented, with clubs jumping between different sets of rules as they move through the pyramid. LCP says the Regulator must address how this patchwork affects clubs’ finances and decision-making.
• Cut through the crowded regulatory landscape: Multiple governing bodies and overlapping rules create confusion and inconsistency. LCP urges the Regulator to clearly map out who is responsible for what and close the gaps.
• Understand where financial rules distort competition: Existing financial regulations can indirectly skew competitive balance. LCP have outlined that IFR should address whether it can effectively implement financial regulations without also considering the effect these may have on competitive balance.
• Assess whether the Regulator should help level the playing field: If uneven finances in a league are hurting investment or blocking upward mobility, the Regulator may need to step in. LCP says this question can’t be ignored in the State of the Game report.
• Looking at the future role of the FA: The FA’s role when it comes to regulation has been heavily scrutinised. With the creation of the IFR there is now a question of what the purpose of the FA is and whether there needs to be structural reform of the body.
• Understanding the context of international football regulation: Changes happening when it comes to international regulation of the game need to be understood, particularly around the IFR’s role in regulating clubs against joining breakaway competitions.

Aaryaman Banerji, Head of Football Governance, LCP, commented: “The Regulator’s first State of the Game report must confront the realities of a fragmented rulebook and a regulatory system that has struggled to keep pace with the modern game. If the IFR is to succeed, it needs a clear view of how existing rules overlap, where the gaps are, and how financial pressures can push clubs into unsustainable decisions. Getting this right is about creating a healthier, more competitive and more financially resilient football pyramid for the long term.”