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Independent Football Regulator could fine rogue owners 10% of club revenue

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) could fine rogue owners up to 10 percent of the club’s revenue and even require them to sell up, per the Guardian. 

Members of Parliament voted to establish an Independent Football Regulator earlier this year to oversee the top five tiers of the men’s game in England. 

In its first major policy announcement, the IFR confirmed plans to establish a new test designed to protect clubs from unsuitable owners, directors and senior executives.

It replaces the owners’ and directors’ test, which has been widely criticised for permitting unfit owners to purchase clubs in recent years. 

The new proposals will allow the IFR to fine an owner between 8% and 10% of their club’s revenue from the previous financial year. 

In cases of the most serious breaches, the regulator will have the power to require an owner to divest from a club. 

The new test does not require current owners to take it, and they are not required to apply. 

However, the IFR has made it clear that it will be able to take action if they commit infringements. 

The proposals still need to be ratified, and they have been published for public consultation until October 6. 

There are currently limited options to prevent owners who don’t provide adequate funding to their club. 

Sheffield Wednesday is a prime example. They are in financial turmoil, but owner Dejphon Chansiri has refused to sell despite several offers. 

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