The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has launched a major consultation on its proposed licensing regime.

It is the latest of a series of consultations (previously commented upon here) and by far the most substantial, as it sets out the IFR’s proposals for the design and operation of the licensing regime that sits at the heart of its remit.

The consultation is divided into several chapters, the first of which concerns the details of the licensing process itself. The IFR proposes that applications for provisional licences will be open between November 2026 and February 2027. Before this, clubs will have a ‘familiarisation period’ to better understand the IFR’s final rules and guidance.  The IFR also proposes to launch a pilot scheme in the summer of 2026 to help participating clubs understand the process better and iron out any potential problems.

Once a club is granted a provisional licence, the IFR expects it will take a further three years before a full licence is issued. During that period, clubs will work towards meeting the threshold requirements, which are also set out in the consultation.

The next chapter concerns the IFR’s proposed approach to financial regulation which is built around  five principles:

1. ‘Forward-Looking Risk Management’ to prevent financial distress occurring in the first place;
2. Allowing club boards to manage financial soundness, and only intervening where concerns are not addressed;
3. Recognising that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is inappropriate and that “regulatory intervention will be tailored and bespoke to address specific risks”;
4. Working with clubs to help them meet expectations, focusing on preventing and addressing the root causes of financial instability, rather than penalising clubs; and
5. Implementing financial reporting requirements that are designed to help clubs manage their financial risk.

Further chapters address corporate governance, including proposals for the Football Club Corporate Governance Code and Corporate Governance Statements, and fan engagement, in which the IFR proposes a framework for how clubs can ensure “meaningful and effective engagement” in line with the Football Governance Act 2025.

The consultation closes on 8 December and can be read in full here.