Premier League clubs unhappy at rising costs of football regulator

Premier League clubs are increasingly unhappy at the Independent Football Regulator’s (IFR’s) costs and uncertainty about how much each club will be made to pay.

- Matt Hughes

Premier League and EFL clubs have repeatedly asked the IFR for an update on its operating budget, which is believed to have risen significantly from the annual £10m projected by the previous government, and been frustrated by the limited response.

Their concerns are understood to have been increased by the IFR’s appointment of the US firm Boston Consulting Group to assist it, which was communicated to clubs last week.

The Premier League’s operating costs and legal expenses have increased significantly over the past five years and its clubs, who posted combined operating losses of £1.65bn in the 2024-25 season, do not welcome the additional financial commitment related to the IFR, though the levy imposed on them will be a tiny fraction of their revenue.

The IFR is currently paid for by the government through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, but that central funding will run out at the start of the 2027-28 season, when the clubs will be asked to foot the bill.