Owning a football club is about to become a lot more serious business.
For too long, questions have swirled around whether some owners were truly fit to handle the responsibility of running clubs at the heart of their communities.
Now, with a powerful new regulator stepping in, the days of rogue custodians slipping through the cracks may be numbered.
The Independent Football Regulator Steps In
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is preparing to roll out a fresh “fit and proper” test for owners, directors, and senior executives across English football.
Unlike the current checks run by the Premier League and EFL, this one carries real bite — including the threat of jail time for those who deliberately mislead, hide evidence, or obstruct investigations.
Stronger Powers Than Ever Before
Under the proposals, the IFR won’t just screen future buyers.
It will also have the authority to review existing owners if concerns arise.
And if someone is deemed unfit, the regulator could force them to sell up — a power the EFL doesn’t currently possess.
In extreme cases, investigators could even be granted warrants to enter businesses and seize withheld information.
Triggered by Recent Club Crises
The urgency behind these changes comes from recent turmoil in the lower leagues.
Sheffield Wednesday’s financial struggles under Dejphon Chansiri and Morecambe’s near-collapse before their takeover have highlighted the need for stronger safeguards.
The new framework is designed to prevent clubs from falling into the wrong hands again.
What Offenders Could Face
Sanctions won’t be one-size-fits-all.
Fines will vary depending on the seriousness of offences, with the harshest penalties reaching between 8 and 10 percent of a club’s revenue.
If that isn’t enough, operating licences could be suspended or even revoked.
And in the gravest situations, criminal charges could follow.
A System That Looks Everywhere
The IFR is casting its net wide.
Domestic and international ownership cases will be reviewed, with the regulator able to check with banks on funding sources and call on law enforcement or financial watchdogs for help.
The focus is clear: honesty, transparency, and financial responsibility must come first.
Backed by Law and Moving Quickly
Thanks to the recently passed Football Governance Bill, these changes are legally backed and expected to move forward quickly.
A public consultation is already open and will run until October 6, inviting feedback from fans, clubs, and industry stakeholders.
How It Fits With Current Rules
The EFL is set to drop its own ownership test once the IFR system is in place, while the Premier League plans to keep its current version running alongside it.
The aim is to build a more unified approach that protects the game at every level.
Ensuring Clubs Are in Safe Hands
Ultimately, the new test is about trust.
It’s designed to assess the honesty, integrity, and financial strength of anyone hoping to run a football club, making sure they have the experience and skills to handle the role.
For supporters who have long feared their clubs were at risk of being exploited, this could mark the start of a safer and more accountable era in English football.