The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is consulting on revisions to its proposed licensing framework.

The latest consultation follows one at the end of last year (discussed here) which set out in broad terms the IFR’s proposals for the design and operation of the licensing regime that sits at the heart of its remit.

Having considered responses to that consultation – and in particular a general view that more detail was needed about certain aspects of the regime and the role played by the regulator – the IFR has now developed a more detailed proposed licensing framework, on which it is seeking views.

The consultation document identifies a number of areas where the IFR has sought to respond to the views of those who responded to the first consultation, particularly in relation to licensing processes, financial regulation, corporate governance, and fan engagement. For example, the updated guidance provides greater clarity on the IFR’s approach to licence refusals and revocations, and on the contents of a financial plan (making clear that it will consult on a template later this year). It also elaborates on the ‘principle-led framework’ which governs how clubs engage with their fans.

More generally, the IFR acknowledges the additional burden that the new regime represents, but seeks to allay concerns by maintaining that “this necessary burden…is proportionate and minimised where reasonably possible”, providing clubs with the “flexibility to apply the key regulatory principles in a way that is appropriate and proportionate to their individual circumstances”. It also confirms that, in order to assist them in complying with their obligations, every club will be allocated a supervisor from May 2026, who will act as a direct point of contact with the IFR. Standardised reporting templates will also be published, and the IFR will continue to work with competition organisers to minimise duplicative burdens.

Alongside the updated Draft Licensing Guidance, the consultation also seeks views on other aspects of the licensing framework, including:

• The IFR Licence and Mandatory Licence Conditions (MLCs), which set out the terms of the licence and will apply to all clubs;
• The Provisional Licence Application Guidance, which provides specific guidance on the application and assessment process for a club’s provisional licence;
• The Football Club Corporate Governance Code; and
• Two reporting templates for the annual declaration form and corporate governance statement guidelines.

The consultation closes on 5 May 2026 and can be found here.