Football Governance Act 2025

is compatible with the purpose of this Act (see section 1), and

advances one or more of the IFR’s objectives (see section 6).

effects on the sporting competitiveness of any regulated club against another regulated club;

adverse effects on the competitiveness of regulated clubs against other clubs;

adverse effects on the financial growth of, or financial investment in, English football.

its regulatory principles (see section 8);

its most recent state of the game report (see section 10);

the most recent football governance statement published by the Secretary of State (see section 11);

any guidance published by it (see section 12);

any guidance published by the Secretary of State (see section 13).

an overview of the main issues that the IFR considers to be affecting English football,

an assessment of whether any feature, or combination of features, of English football jeopardises, or risks jeopardising, the IFR’s ability to advance one or more of its objectives, and

information about any other matters relating to the state of English football, so far as relevant to the exercise of the IFR’s functions under this Act, that the IFR considers appropriate.

prepare a draft report, having regard to any suggestions made within the period specified in the notice, and

a Parliamentary general election has taken place,

there has been a significant change in the policy of His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom relating to football, or

the Secretary of State considers that the statement, or any part of it, is inconsistent with the purpose of this Act or with the IFR’s objectives.

the first guidance about any of its functions, or

revised guidance about any of its functions, unless the revisions are minor.

the Secretary of State considers that the guidance needs to be revised because of an amendment, repeal or modification of any provision of this Act, or

the revision is agreed between the Secretary of State and the IFR.

guidance under this section, or

revised guidance under this section, unless the revisions are minor.

a summary of the activities undertaken by the IFR during that year, and

such other information as the Secretary of State may direct the IFR to include in the report.

the period beginning with the day on which this section comes into force and ending with 31 March in the following year, and

each successive period of 12 months.

a provisional operating licence, or

a full operating licence.

grant a provisional operating licence to a club that applies for one under section 16;

grant a full operating licence to a club that holds a provisional operating licence (see section 18).

the club to which it relates,

each relevant team operated by the club,

the conditions attached to the licence by the IFR under section 20,

any conditions attached to the licence by the IFR under section 21, and

such other information as may be specified by the IFR in rules.

the time by which an application must be made, and

the manner and form in which an application must be made.

a personnel statement (see subsection (4)) and a statement explaining why the club considers the personnel statement to be accurate,

a strategic business plan (see subsection (5)), and

such other information and documents as may be specified by the IFR in rules.

identifying each of the club’s owners and officers,

identifying the club’s ultimate owner,

setting out the job title of, or a description of the role performed by, each of the club’s officers, and

setting out the specified senior management functions performed by each of the club’s officers who is a senior manager.

such other information as may be specified by the IFR in rules.

beginning with the day on which the application under this section is made, and

ending no earlier than the end of the next football season after the application is made.

operate a relevant team,

comply with the mandatory licence conditions (see section 20), and

comply with sections 45 to 53 (duties on clubs).

must specify in the provisional operating licence the period for which it has effect, which may be no more than three years;

must notify the club of the grant of the licence.

stating that it proposes to refuse to grant the provisional operating licence,

explaining why it proposes to refuse to grant the licence,

inviting the club to make representations about the proposed refusal, and

specifying the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made,

grant the provisional operating licence and notify the club of the grant, or

refuse to grant the licence and notify the club of the refusal, giving reasons for it.

the period within which it must make the decision whether to grant the club a provisional operating licence,

any circumstances in which it may extend that period, and

the maximum period for which that period may be extended.

before the end of the period specified by virtue of section 17(3)(a), or

if applicable, before the end of the further period specified by virtue of subsection (6)(b).

must grant a club a full operating licence if the full licence test is met in relation to the club;

must notify the club of the grant of the licence.

the IFR has not determined, and is not treated as having determined, under Part 4 that any person who is an owner or officer of the club is not suitable to be an owner or officer of the club.

explaining why it proposes to take such action,

inviting the club to make representations about the proposed action, and

specifying the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made,

where the IFR considers that the full licence test is met in relation to the club, grant the club a full operating licence and notify the club of the grant, or

where the IFR considers that the full licence test would be met in relation to the club within a reasonable period if more time is given for the test to be met, specify a further period for which the club’s provisional operating licence is to have effect.

the full licence test (as defined in section 18(3)) is not met in relation to the club, and

stating that it is revoking the club’s provisional operating licence from a date specified in the notice, and

explaining why it is revoking the club’s licence.

in the case of a provisional operating licence, ensure that the club will meet, or contribute towards the club meeting, the threshold requirements set out in Schedule 4 before the end of the period for which the provisional operating licence has effect;

in the case of a provisional or full operating licence, advance the IFR’s systemic financial resilience objective.

the condition as varied meets a requirement in subsection (3).

remove a discretionary licence condition where the IFR considers that the condition is no longer necessary, and

notify the club concerned about the removal.

relate to debt management,

relate to liquidity requirements,

restrict the club’s overall expenditure, or

restrict the club’s ability to accept or receive funding which the IFR reasonably suspects to be connected to serious criminal conduct.

internal controls,

risk management, or

financial reporting.

relate to debt management,

relate to liquidity requirements, or

restrict the club’s overall expenditure.

all regulated clubs,

each specified competition organiser, and

such other persons as the IFR considers appropriate.

the financial resources threshold requirement, or

the advancement of the IFR’s systemic financial resilience objective.

the club, and

the specified competition organiser which organises a specified competition in relation to which a relevant team is operated by the club.

give details of the proposed condition or variation,

explain why the IFR is proposing to attach the condition or make the variation,

specify the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made or such a commitment must be given.

have regard to any representations which are duly made, and

where the specified competition organiser gives a commitment mentioned in subsection (3)(c)(ii) within the period specified in the notice, consider whether to accept that commitment.

a club applies for a variation under section 21(7), or

the IFR considers that compliance with this section would jeopardise, or risk jeopardising, the IFR’s ability to advance one or more of its objectives.

compliance with the commitment by the specified competition organiser would mean that it would not be necessary to attach the proposed discretionary licence condition or make the proposed variation, and

accepting the commitment would not jeopardise, or risk jeopardising, the IFR’s ability to advance one or more of its objectives.

the IFR may not attach the proposed discretionary licence condition or make the proposed variation while the commitment is in force, and

the specified competition organiser that gave the commitment must comply with it while it has effect.

must notify the specified competition organiser and the club concerned and provide reasons for its decision, and

may without further notice attach the proposed discretionary licence condition or make the proposed variation.

the commitment is no longer necessary,

the commitment is no longer effective, or

the specified competition organiser has failed to comply with the commitment.

without further notice attach the proposed discretionary licence condition or make the proposed variation, or

attach an alternative discretionary licence condition or make an alternative variation to a discretionary licence condition.

notifies the club about the proposed alternative condition or variation,

invites the club to make representations about the proposed alternative condition or variation, and

specifies the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made,

comes into force on the day specified in the notice given to the specified competition organiser under paragraph 3 of Schedule 6, and

ceases to have effect if the specified competition organiser is released from the commitment under subsection (6).

the extent to which a specified competition organiser which gave a commitment accepted under this section is complying with it,

whether a specified competition organiser should be released from a commitment under this section (including whether to release a specified competition organiser from a commitment and attach or vary a discretionary licence condition to an operating licence instead), and

whether to take action in accordance with Part 8 in respect of a specified competition organiser which fails to comply with a commitment.

the non-financial resources threshold requirement (see paragraph 3 of Schedule 4), or

the fan engagement threshold requirement (see paragraph 4 of Schedule 4).

notifies the club about the proposed condition or variation (including the threshold requirement to which the condition or variation relates),

invites the club to make representations about the proposed condition or variation, and

specifies the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made,

a club applies for a variation under section 21(7), or

the IFR considers that compliance with this section would jeopardise, or risk jeopardising, the IFR’s ability to advance one or more of its objectives.

requiring notices to be given to the IFR before a person becomes an owner or officer of a regulated club, or where there is a change of circumstances relating to a person’s role as an owner or officer of a regulated club,

for the making of determinations by the IFR about the suitability of a person to be an owner or officer of a regulated club, and

for action that may or must be taken by the IFR where it determines or is treated as having determined that a person is not suitable to be an owner or officer of a regulated club.

deal with notifications by incumbent owners and officers, and

confer a power on the IFR to make determinations relating to the suitability of incumbent owners and officers to continue in their role.

making an order disqualifying the person from being an owner or officer of a club;

giving a direction requiring the person to cease to be an owner or officer of a club;

making an order removing the person as an owner of a club.

has the requisite honesty and integrity, and

is financially sound.

has the requisite honesty and integrity,

has the requisite competence, and

is financially sound.

is not an owner of a particular regulated club, but

considers that there is a reasonable prospect of the person becoming an owner of that club,

is not an officer of a particular regulated club, but

considers that there is a reasonable prospect of the individual becoming an officer of that club,

a person becoming an owner of the club, or

an individual becoming an officer of the club.

references to a prospective owner are to a person who is the subject of a notification under subsection (1) or (3)(a);

references to a prospective officer are to an individual who is the subject of a notification under subsection (2) or (3)(b).

identify the prospective owner or officer,

explain why the person giving the notification considers there is a reasonable prospect of the prospective owner becoming an owner of the club or (as the case may be) of the prospective officer becoming an officer of the club, and

as soon as reasonably practicable after the duty under that subsection arises, and

before the prospective owner or officer becomes an owner or officer of the club.

the person has become an owner of the club, or

the individual has become an officer of the club,

may require information about other matters specified in the rules to be provided with an application;

may make provision about the manner and form in which an application is to be made.

the IFR does not have grounds to suspect that the applicant has any source of wealth which is connected to serious criminal conduct.

may not make an affirmative determination in respect of the applicant except as mentioned in subsections (3) and (4);

must not make an affirmative determination in respect of the applicant if an order under section 38(1) (disqualification from ownership) has effect in relation to the applicant.

the person ceases to be an owner of the club, or

if earlier, the IFR gives the person a notice under section 34(10)(b) in relation to the person’s suitability to be an owner of the club.

give notice of the determination to the applicant and to the club, and

publish the determination.

the information to be provided with an application, and

the manner and form in which an application must be made.

may not make an affirmative determination in respect of the applicant except as mentioned in subsection (3);

must not make an affirmative determination in respect of the applicant if an order under section 38(2) (disqualification from being an officer) has effect in relation to the applicant.

the individual ceases to be an officer of the club, or

if earlier, the IFR gives the individual a notice under section 35(5)(b) in relation to the individual’s suitability to be an officer of the club.

give notice of the determination to the applicant and to the club, and

publish the determination.

a notice requiring the person to make an application under section 28 by the date specified in the notice, or

a notice stating that the person is not suitable to be an owner of the club.

subsection (1) does not apply, and

the IFR must give the person a notice stating that the person is not suitable to be an owner of the club.

a notice requiring the individual to make an application under section 29 by the date specified in the notice, or

a notice stating that the individual is not suitable to be an officer of the club.

subsection (3) does not apply, and

the IFR must give the person a notice stating that the individual is not suitable to be an officer of the club.

in a subsection (1)(a) case, give the person a notice stating that the person is not suitable to be an owner of the club;

in a subsection (3)(a) case, give the individual a notice stating that the individual is not suitable to be an officer of the club.

a notice under subsection (1)(b), (2)(b) or (7)(a) is given to a person, the IFR is to be treated as having determined under section 28 that the person is not suitable to be an owner of the club in question;

a notice under subsection (3)(b), (4)(b) or (7)(b) is given to a person, the IFR is to be treated as having determined under section 29 that the person is not suitable to be an officer of the club in question.

give notice of that fact to the person and to the club, and

have regard to any representations made by the person or the club in accordance with the notice.

give notice of that fact to the person and to the regulated club of which the person is an owner or officer, and

have regard to any representations made by the person or the club in accordance with the notice.

explain why the IFR is minded to make the determination or (as the case may be) to give the notice,

invite the person or the club to make representations about the proposed determination or notice, and

specify the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made.

the period specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this paragraph, or

in a case where the period mentioned in paragraph (a) is extended (or further extended) under subsection (3), the period as so extended.

identify the owner or officer in question,

explain the material change in circumstances, and

explain why the person giving the notification considers that the change in circumstances is relevant to whether the owner or officer in question is suitable to be an owner or officer of the club.

a determination under section 28 that the individual is suitable to be an owner of the club has effect in relation to the individual.

the IFR must give notice of that finding to P and to the club, and

P may continue to be an owner of the club.

the IFR must give notice of that finding to P and to the club, and

P may continue to be an owner of the club.

has taken reasonable steps to establish whether P has any source of wealth which is connected to serious criminal conduct, and

is not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that P has any such source of wealth.

the IFR must give notice of those findings to P and to the club, and

P may continue to be an owner of the club.

in a case within subsection (5), the IFR does not make the finding mentioned in that subsection,

in a case within subsection (6), the IFR does not make the finding mentioned in that subsection, or

in a case within subsection (8), the IFR does not make both of the findings mentioned in subsections (5) and (6).

the IFR is to be treated as having determined that P is not suitable to be an owner of the club, and

the IFR must give notice of that fact to P and to the club.

any finding it makes under this section;

any determination it is treated as having made under this section.

a determination under section 29 that the individual is suitable to be an officer of the club has effect in relation to the individual.

the IFR must give notice of that finding to P and to the club, and

P may continue to be an officer of the club.

the IFR is to be treated as having determined that P is not suitable to be an officer of the club, and

the IFR must give notice of that fact to P and to the club.

any finding it makes under this section;

notice of any determination it is treated as having made under this section.

give notice of that fact to the individual and to the club, and

have regard to any representations made by the individual or the club in accordance with the notice.

in relation to a determination under section 34(1), a finding that the individual does not meet the individual ownership fitness criteria;

in relation to a determination under section 34(2), a finding that the individual does have a source of wealth which is connected to serious criminal conduct;

in relation to a determination under section 35(1), a finding that the individual does not meet the officer fitness criteria.

explain why the IFR is minded to make the negative finding,

invite the individual or the club to make representations about the proposed finding, and

specify the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made.

has been made by a competition organiser in relation to the person, and

the IFR considers relevant to its determination.

whether the individual has been convicted of a criminal offence or subject to criminal proceedings, whether or not in England and Wales (in particular where the offence is or proceedings are in respect of serious criminal conduct);

whether, on the balance of probabilities, the individual has engaged in conduct outside England and Wales which would, if done in England and Wales, amount to the commission of a serious offence;

whether the individual is or has been a party to proceedings (other than criminal proceedings) in any court or tribunal;

any action of a regulatory or disciplinary nature that is being or has been taken in relation to the individual (whether or not by the IFR and whether or not in England and Wales);

whether the individual is prohibited from entering the United Kingdom;

whether the individual is a designated person as defined by section 9(2) of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018;

such other matters relating to honesty and integrity as may be specified for the purposes of this paragraph in rules made by the IFR.

the financial situation of any body in relation to which the individual holds, or has held, a position of responsibility (whether or not as an officer of the body);

such other matters relating to financial soundness as may be specified for the purposes of this paragraph in rules made by the IFR.

giving details of the fact that the IFR proposes to make the order,

stating the reasons for the proposed order,

inviting the person and the club to make representations about the proposed order, and

specifying the means by which, and the period within which, such representations may be made,

decide whether to make an order under subsection (1) or (2), and

publish a notice of its decision, giving reasons for it.

the IFR has determined under section 28, or is treated as having determined under that section, that P is not suitable to be an owner of the club, or

the IFR is treated by virtue of section 34(10)(a) as having determined that P is not suitable to be an owner of the club,

the period specified in the direction, or

where the period mentioned in paragraph (a) is extended (or further extended) under subsection (4), that period as so extended.

P,

the club, and

the specified competition organiser which organises a specified competition in relation to which a relevant team is operated by the club.

its determination under section 28 in relation to P, or

notice of its deemed determination under that section in relation to P,

the applicable reviewer’s decision under section 83(3), or

the decision that the applicable reviewer is treated as having made under section 82(5) or 83(6),

the IFR has determined under section 29, or is treated as having determined under that section, that P is not suitable to be an officer of the club, or

the IFR is treated by virtue of section 35(5)(a) as having determined that P is not suitable to be an officer of the club.

a direction to P requiring P to take all reasonable steps to cease to be an officer of the club before the end of the removal period;

a direction to the club requiring the club to take all reasonable steps to secure that P ceases to be an officer of the club before the end of the removal period.

the period specified in the direction, or

where the period mentioned in paragraph (a) is extended under subsection (4), that period as extended (or further extended) under that subsection.

P,

the club, and

the specified competition organiser which organises a specified competition in relation to which a relevant team is operated by the club.

in the case of a direction under subsection (2)(a), give a notice to P and to the club, and

in the case of a direction under subsection (2)(b), give a notice to the club,

that a person who is an owner of a regulated club is not suitable to be an owner of the club, or

that a person who is an officer of a regulated club is not suitable to be an officer of the club.

a direction to the person prohibiting the person (wholly or to an extent specified in the direction) from carrying out such of the person’s activities, or exercising such of their rights, as an owner or officer as are specified or described in the direction;

a direction to the club requiring it to secure that the person does not (wholly or to an extent specified in the direction) carry out such of those activities, or exercise such of those rights, as are specified or described in the direction.

exercising any right, whether or not by virtue of the holding of shares, stock or securities, to vote on any matter relating to the carrying on of the club’s activities;

appointing, terminating the appointment of, changing the terms of appointment or the responsibilities of, any officer or employee of the club;

making changes to the corporate structure of the club;

doing anything specified or described in the direction without obtaining the prior approval of the IFR.

comes into force at the time specified by or determined in accordance with the direction;

has effect for the period specified in the direction;

may be varied or revoked by a further direction.

in the case of a direction under subsection (2)(a), give a notice to the person and to the club of which the person is an owner or officer including information about the possible consequences under this Part and Part 8 of not complying with the direction;

in the case of a direction under subsection (2)(b), give a notice to the club including information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with the direction.

a direction under section 41 has effect in relation to a person or club, and

the IFR considers that the ability of the club to operate effectively, or to comply with conditions attached to its operating licence, is or is likely to be adversely affected by compliance with the direction.

make an order appointing an individual identified in the order as an officer of the club for a period specified in the order;

give the club a direction requiring it to redistribute amongst its existing officers functions specified or described in the direction (whether of the person concerned or otherwise).

must specify or describe the functions to be exercised by the individual appointed by the order;

comes into force at the time specified by or determined in accordance with the order;

may be varied or revoked by a further order.

comes into force at the time specified by or determined in accordance with the direction;

has effect for the period specified in the direction;

may be varied or revoked by a further direction.

costs incurred by it in connection with the appointment of an individual by virtue of an order under subsection (2)(a), and

costs incurred by an individual appointed by virtue of such an order,

co-operate with the individual, and

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

this Part (where the direction under section 41 relates to a person who is an owner of the club), and

Part 8,

the IFR has determined under section 28, or is treated as having determined under that section, that P is not suitable to be an owner of the club,

P fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a direction given to P under section 39,

P fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a direction given to P under section 41, or

for the appointment of trustees;

conferring functions on trustees appointed by virtue of the order (including functions of taking action on behalf of P or any other person);

requiring P or any other person to take action (including action directed by trustees appointed by virtue of the order).

must not have a conflict of interest, and

must have the necessary skills to discharge their functions under the order.

co-operate with the trustee, and

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

provide the IFR with regular reports on the exercise of their functions under the order and on any co-operation or assistance provided by P or the club;

obtain the IFR’s approval before making any contractual or other arrangements that would result in P ceasing to be an owner of the club.

the IFR considers that the arrangements would result in any person becoming an owner of the club without the IFR having first determined under section 28 that the person is suitable to be an owner of the club, or

where the arrangements would involve the disposal of an interest in the club, the IFR considers that any party to the proposed disposal is acting in bad faith.

summarising the provision the IFR proposes to include in the proposed order,

inviting the making of representations about the proposed order, and

specifying the means by which, and the period within which, such representations may be made,

decide whether to make an order under section 43, and

publish a notice of its decision, giving reasons for it.

where the order imposes requirements on P (within the meaning of section 43), give a notice to P and to the club including information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with those requirements;

where the order imposes requirements on the club, give a notice to the club including information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with those requirements;

give a notice to the club, and to each owner and officer of the club, including information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with the duty imposed by subsection (6) of section 43.

comes into force at the time specified by or determined in accordance with the order,

has effect for the period specified by or determined in accordance with the order, and

may be varied or revoked by a further order.

costs incurred by the IFR in exercising functions under section 43 or this section, and

costs incurred by a trustee appointed by virtue of such an order,

a regulated club, or

a club that is not a regulated club but has been a regulated club at any point within the previous 10 years.

any other factors that the IFR specifies in rules.

stating that it proposes to specify the competition as a prohibited competition,

explaining why it proposes to take such action,

inviting the competition organiser to make representations about the proposed action, and

specifying the means by which, and the period within which, such representations may be made,

take reasonable steps to determine the views of fans in England and Wales of regulated clubs about the competition being specified as a prohibited competition, and

have regard to those views.

the Football Association, and

such other persons as the IFR considers appropriate.

whether or not any of the matches included in that competition are played, or are to be played, in England or Wales or in any other part of the United Kingdom;

whether or not the teams that are entered into it, or that are members of it, or that participate in it are, or are to be, exclusively or predominantly English teams.

disposing of any freehold or leasehold interest that the body holds in its home ground or any part of the home ground, or

using any interest that the body holds in its home ground, or any part of the home ground, as security in respect of a loan or other liability.

a body that is a regulated club, or

a body that is not a regulated club but has been a regulated club at any point within the previous 5 years (a “formerly regulated club”).

where the body is a regulated club, it is satisfied that the taking of the step would not undermine the financial sustainability of the club;

where the body is a formerly regulated club, it is satisfied that the body has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that a team customarily plays its home matches at the ground.

in relation to a body that is a regulated club, means the ground at which a relevant team operated by it customarily plays its home matches;

in relation to a body that is a formerly regulated club, means the ground at which a relevant team operated by it immediately before it ceased to be a regulated club customarily played its home matches.

must be in writing, and

must accompany the notice of intention to appoint filed under paragraph 27 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act.

subsection (3)(b) does not apply, but

approval under subsection (2) must accompany the notice of appointment filed under paragraph 29 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act.

the arrangements would not undermine the financial sustainability of the club,

the arrangements would not cause significant harm to the heritage of the club,

the club has taken reasonable steps to determine the views of its fans about the effect of the arrangements on the relevant matters set out in paragraph 4(2) of Schedule 4, and

the club has had regard to those views in considering whether to enter into the arrangements.

any emblem or crest of a relevant team operated by the club, or

the predominant home shirt colours of such a team,

prepare a personnel statement (within the meaning of section 16), and

submit it to the IFR for approval.

may approve the statement with or without modifications, and

may approve the statement only if satisfied that it is accurate.

the costs which the IFR estimates it will incur in exercising its functions under this Act during that period, which may include an amount in respect of contingencies in relation to that period,

the amount of any financial reserves which the IFR considers it appropriate to raise in that period for the purpose of meeting any costs of exercising its functions under this Act in future periods,

where the IFR’s actual costs incurred in exercising its functions under this Act in the previous chargeable period exceed the IFR’s estimate of those costs, the amount by which the IFR’s actual costs in the previous period exceeded the IFR’s estimate,

where the IFR’s estimate of the costs it would incur in exercising its functions in the previous chargeable period exceeds the IFR’s actual costs incurred, the amount (expressed as a negative figure) by which the IFR’s estimated costs in the previous period exceeded the IFR’s actual costs, and

an amount in respect of any of the IFR’s initial costs, and any of the Secretary of State’s establishment costs, that have not been recovered before the beginning of the chargeable period.

in preparing for the exercise of any of its functions under this Act, and

in exercising any of those functions.

incurred by the Secretary of State in relation to the establishment of the IFR before the coming into force of section 5, and

notified by the Secretary of State to the IFR before the first chargeable period.

how the IFR is to estimate the costs which it expects to incur in exercising its functions under this Act during a chargeable period;

how the IFR is to calculate the costs which it actually incurs in exercising those functions during a chargeable period;

how the IFR is to calculate an appropriate financial reserve to raise in a chargeable period;

how the IFR is to calculate the IFR’s initial costs;

the number of chargeable periods over which the IFR’s initial costs and the Secretary of State’s establishment costs will be recovered (“recovery periods”);

the maximum percentage of the IFR’s initial costs and of the Secretary of State’s establishment costs that may be recovered in each recovery period;

how the aggregate amount payable in respect of a chargeable period is to be divided between clubs that are licensed clubs during that period;

the administration and payment of the levy.

for a club that would otherwise be required to pay the levy to not be required to pay it where conditions specified in levy rules are met;

for interest to be charged, at a rate specified in or calculated in accordance with the rules, on any amount of levy not paid by the day on which it is due.

for the rate at which interest is charged not to exceed an annual percentage rate of 5% plus the Bank of England base rate,

that the IFR may charge interest at a rate determined by the IFR that is lower than the rate that would otherwise be applicable under the rules, where the IFR considers that appropriate, and

that the IFR may disapply a requirement for interest to be charged, where the IFR considers that appropriate.

the financial resources of each licensed club, and

the specified competition in relation to which a relevant team is operated by each licensed club.

the period of 12 months beginning with such day as may be specified by the IFR by notice for the purposes of this subsection (which is the first chargeable period), and

each subsequent period of 12 months.

the Secretary of State,

the Treasury,

all regulated clubs, and

such other persons as the IFR considers appropriate.

an estimate of the costs which it expects to incur in exercising its functions under this Act during period A;

the actual costs of exercising those functions during the chargeable period immediately before period A (unless period A is the first chargeable period);

the amount of financial reserves which it considers it appropriate to raise in period A (if any);

the amount to be recovered in period A in respect of the IFR’s initial costs and the Secretary of State’s establishment costs (if any);

the amount of the IFR’s initial costs and the Secretary of State’s establishment costs that it has not recovered before the start of period A (if any);

the amount payable by each licensed club in respect of period A;

such information as it considers appropriate to explain how those costs and amounts are determined.

the organiser considers that there is a risk of the IFR’s ability to advance its club financial soundness objective or its systemic financial resilience objective being jeopardised,

the organiser has failed to comply with a commitment accepted by the IFR under section 24 or the organiser considers that there is an immediate risk of it failing to so comply, or

the organiser considers or suspects that a club has breached a relevant rule of a specified competition.

explain why the specified competition organiser considers the duty under that subsection to have arisen, and

be given as soon as reasonably practicable after the specified competition organiser considers the duty under that subsection to have arisen.

adding or removing a relevant rule of a specified competition, or

varying a relevant rule of a specified competition, unless the variation is not material.

explain why the specified competition organiser is proposing to add, remove or vary the relevant rule of a specified competition;

include a draft of the additional or varied rule.

specified competition organisers are required to enter into mediation in connection with the distribution of relevant revenue received by one of the organisers, and

if those organisers do not reach agreement during that process, the IFR may make an order as to the distribution of that revenue.

as a result of the sale or acquisition of rights to exploit the broadcasting of football matches included in a competition organised by the specified competition organiser, or

from any other source specified, or of a description specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

the IFR,

the Football Association, and

each specified competition organiser.

the day on which this section came into force, or

where regulations under subsection (2)(b) have been made, the day on which such regulations were last made.

one or more questions have arisen between that organiser and another specified competition organiser, and

the question or questions relate to the distribution, in or in respect of one or more qualifying football seasons, of relevant revenue received by one of those organisers.

no distribution agreement is in force between the two specified competition organisers in relation to the season, and

no distribution order has effect in respect of the two specified competition organisers in relation to the season.

the last distribution agreement entered into between the two specified competition organisers had effect, or

the last distribution order made in relation to those organisers had effect.

the day on which the last distribution agreement was entered into between those organisers, or

the day on which the last distribution order was made in relation to those organisers.

a distribution agreement is in force between the two specified competition organisers in relation to the season,

the distribution agreement has been in force for at least five years, and

no distribution order has effect in respect of the specified competition organisers in relation to the season.

notify the other specified competition organiser (“the respondent”) that the notifier intends to make the application, and

send a copy of the notification to the IFR.

set out details of the question or questions for resolution mentioned in section 57(1) to which it is intended the application will relate,

specify the qualifying football season or seasons to which that question relates or those questions relate,

explain why the notifier considers that at least one of the conditions in section 57 is met in relation to that season or those seasons,

invite the respondent to make representations about the content of the notification, and

specify the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made.

set out details of the question or questions for resolution mentioned in section 57(1) to which the application relates,

specify the qualifying football season or seasons to which that question relates or those questions relate,

explain why the notifier considers that at least one of the conditions in section 57 is met in relation to that season or those seasons, and

be accompanied by copies of any representations made by the respondent about the content of the notification under subsection (1)(a).

is satisfied that at least one of the conditions in section 57 is met in relation to each season to which the question relates or the questions relate,

has reasonable grounds to suspect that its ability to advance at least one of its objectives would be jeopardised if the resolution process were not triggered in relation to the question or questions for resolution, and

considers that the question or questions for resolution could not be resolved within a reasonable period of time by the IFR exercising any of its other functions under this Act.

notify the two specified competition organisers and give reasons for its decision, and

the specified competition organisers resolve that question or those questions (whether by entering into a distribution agreement or otherwise);

the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the mediator is appointed;

the specified competition organisers agree to terminate the mediation;

if requested in writing to do so by the mediator, and

by such period as is set out in the request, which may be up to a further 28 days.

set out the question or questions for resolution,

specify the qualifying football season or seasons to which that question relates or those questions relate,

set out any findings in the IFR’s most recent state of the game report that the IFR considers relevant to that question or those questions,

invite each of the two specified competition organisers to submit to the IFR and to each other a proposal as to how that question or those questions should be resolved,

require any proposal to be accompanied by supporting evidence (including evidence as to how the proposal addresses the findings set out under paragraph (c)),

specify the day on or before which proposals are to be submitted.

the initial proposal deadline, or

(if earlier) the day on which the IFR considers that both specified competition organisers have submitted qualifying proposals,

state which of the two specified competition organisers (if any) has submitted a qualifying proposal before the initial proposal deadline,

specify the day on or before which the confirmed or modified proposal is to be submitted.

a modification to a proposal is “permitted” unless it results in the proposal no longer being a qualifying proposal.

give reasons for the proposed distribution order,

explain how the proposed order applies the principles mentioned in subsection (8),

explain how the proposed order addresses the findings set out under section 61(3)(c),

invite each of the two specified competition organisers to make representations about the proposed distribution order,

specify the period within which such representations may be made, and

specify the means by which they may be made,

apply the principles mentioned in subsection (8), and

have regard to any proposal submitted under section 61(9)(b).

the distribution order should not place an undue burden on the commercial interests of either specified competition organiser, and

the distribution order should not result in a lower amount of relegation revenue being distributed to a club during the relevant period than would have been distributed to the club during that period had the order not been made.

must impose on the specified competition organisers such obligations as the IFR considers appropriate for the purpose of securing compliance with the requirements set out in the order, and

may, where a distribution agreement is in force between the specified competition organisers in relation to the same qualifying football season or seasons to which the order relates, provide for that agreement to have effect subject to provision contained in the order.

including a copy of the order,

giving reasons for the order,

explaining how the order applies the principles mentioned in subsection (8),

explaining how the order addresses the findings set out under section 61(3)(c), and

including information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with the order.

on such day as may be specified in the order, or

if revoked under subsection (3) or (4).

the extent to which specified competition organisers are complying with a distribution order which has effect in respect of them,

whether to take enforcement action under Part 8 in respect of a specified competition organiser which does not comply with a distribution order, and

whether to revoke a distribution order.

affects the capacity of one or more specified competition organisers to agree, at any time, how relevant revenue received by a specified competition organiser is to be distributed (whether by entering into a distribution agreement or otherwise), or

prevents such an agreement from having effect or being enforced (subject to section 62(10)(b)).

explain why the IFR requires the information;

state the time by which, or the frequency with which, the information must be given to the IFR;

state the place at which, or the manner (which may be remote) in which, the information must be given to the IFR;

state the form in which the information must be given to the IFR;

include information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with the notice.

take copies of or extracts from the information given to the IFR;

require the person to obtain or generate information for the purpose of giving that information to the IFR;

require the person to collect or retain information that they would not otherwise collect or retain for the purpose of giving that information to the IFR;

if any specified information is not given to the IFR, require the person to state, to the best of their knowledge and belief, both where that information is and why it has not been given to the IFR.

specified, or described, in the information notice, or

falling within a category which is specified, or described, in the information notice.

stating that the IFR has decided to conduct an investigation;

indicating the relevant infringement the IFR has reasonable grounds for suspecting to have been committed;

explaining the matter being investigated.

whether the person committed the infringement, and

if so, whether the person had a reasonable excuse for committing the infringement.

the IFR determines that the person has not committed the infringement, or

the IFR determines that the person has committed the infringement but is not minded to take any action as a result of that determination (whether because the person had a reasonable excuse for committing the infringement, or otherwise).

stating the IFR’s determination, and

explaining the IFR’s determination.

subject to subsection (4), the IFR may not take action under Part 8 in respect of the relevant infringement, so far as relating to the behaviour, and

the person that gave the commitment must comply with it while it has effect.

does not prevent an investigation from continuing so far as it relates to other behaviour in relation to the same or a different relevant infringement;

paragraph 2(2)(a), (b), (e) or (h);

paragraph 2(3)(c) or (d);

paragraph 3(a) or (f);

paragraph 4(a) or (f);

paragraph 5, but only so far as the relevant infringement mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) of that paragraph is a relevant infringement mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection;

paragraph 6(b), (c) or (f).

including the commitment,

stating the relevant infringement to which the commitment relates,

stating that the IFR has accepted, or not accepted, the commitment, and

explaining why the IFR has accepted, or not accepted, the commitment.

comes into force when notice of the IFR’s acceptance of it is given under subsection (1), and

ceases to have effect if under subsection (4) the person is released from the commitment.

stating that the IFR has released the person from the commitment, and

explaining why the IFR is releasing the person from the commitment.

the extent to which a person which gave a commitment accepted under section 70 is complying with it,

the appropriateness of such a commitment,

whether a person should be released from such a commitment (and whether a discretionary licence condition should be attached to an operating licence, or varied, instead), and

the appropriateness of taking action in accordance with Part 8 in respect of a person who fails to comply with such a commitment.

destroy or otherwise dispose of relevant information,

falsify or conceal relevant information, or

cause or permit the destruction, disposal, falsification or concealment of relevant information.

“expert reporter” means a person appointed under section 66.

the IFR determines that the person has, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with an information requirement, or

the IFR is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the person has committed an offence under section 78.

gives details of the action the IFR is minded to take,

explains why the IFR is minded to take the action,

invites the person concerned to make representations about the proposed action,

specifies the means by which, and the period within which, such representations must be made, and

states whether the decision whether to take action is to be taken by the Board or delegated under paragraph 18 of Schedule 2, and if it is to be delegated, to which person or committee listed in that paragraph it is to be delegated.

determine whether to take action in relation to the person in accordance with section 75 and Schedule 9, and

give the person a decision notice.

explains why the IFR is taking that action or is not taking action,

states whether the decision to take action, or not to take action, was made by the Board or delegated under paragraph 18 of Schedule 2, and if it was delegated, to which person or committee listed in that paragraph it was delegated.

has given a person a decision notice and has taken the action stated in it, but

considers that the action has been ineffective.

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

the relevant infringement is continuing, and

the relevant infringement jeopardises, or immediately risks jeopardising, the IFR’s ability to advance one or more of its objectives.

explain why the IFR is giving a direction;

state the action the direction requires the person to take or the action the direction prohibits the person from taking;

state the period during which the action must be taken or the prohibited action must not be taken (as the case may be);

include information about the possible consequences under Part 8 of not complying with the direction;

if the IFR did not give the person concerned an opportunity to make representations before giving the direction, explain why;

include any other information the IFR considers relevant.

a person specified in subsection (2), for the purpose of facilitating the exercise of that person’s functions;

a person specified in subsection (3), for a purpose connected with the exercise of the IFR’s functions under this Act.

HMRC;

the Secretary of State;

the Welsh Ministers;

the Financial Conduct Authority;

the National Crime Agency;

the Serious Fraud Office;

the Sports Grounds Safety Authority.

the Football Association;

the Football Association Premier League Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales (company number 02719699);

the Football Association of Wales Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales (company number 00213349);

the Football Conference Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales (company number 03364308);

the Football League Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales (company number 00080612);

the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales (company number 15675947).

does not breach any obligation of confidence owed by the IFR, and

does not breach any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed) (but see section 88(2)).

used for a purpose other than the purpose mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) (as the case may be), or

further disclosed,

the IFR;

a trustee appointed by an order under section 43;

an expert reporter appointed under section 66.

does not breach any obligation of confidence owed by the person making the disclosure, and

does not breach any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed) (but see section 88(2)).

information the disclosure of which might prejudice the prevention or detection of crime or the investigation or prosecution of an offence, or

information received (directly or indirectly) from, or that relates to, the National Crime Agency, unless the National Crime Agency consents to that disclosure.

confer a discretion on a person;

make different provision for different purposes (including in relation to different clubs or different persons);

make consequential, supplementary, incidental, transitional or saving provision.

each specified competition organiser, and

such other persons as the IFR considers appropriate.

amendments to or replacements of rules, if the IFR considers the changes to be minor;

levy rules, or to amendments to or replacements of levy rules (see section 54(1) to (3) for provision about consultation before the making of levy rules);

revenue rules, or to amendments to or replacements of revenue rules (see paragraph 12(3) and (5) of Schedule 9 for provision about consultation before the making of revenue rules).

publish the rules, and

notify the Secretary of State.

confer a discretion on a person;

make different provision for different purposes;

make consequential, supplementary, incidental, transitional or saving provision.

regulations under any other provision of this Act that amend or repeal provision made by an Act.

amounts to the commission of an offence specified, or falling within a description specified, in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Serious Crime Act 2007, or

would amount to the commission of such an offence if done in England and Wales.

a provision of this Act which requires the IFR to consult another person;

the provision made by section 10(5)(a) and (b).

in the case of anything done by the Secretary of State, the provision had been in force and the thing had been done by the IFR, or

in the case of anything done by the IFR, the provision had been in force,

to have been committed with the consent or connivance of an officer of the club or of the body corporate, or

to be attributable to neglect on the part of an officer of the club or of the body corporate,