Associate Jonathan Gorman has authored an article in the Solicitors Journal on The Football Governance Bill and the potential introduction of a new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) which would see power over English football’s top five tier. The bill, introduced in July 2025, would require clubs to meet strict financial sustainability tests, demonstrate good governance and engage meaningfully with fans. He highlights the challenges the IFR is likely to face, including: ownership transparency, competition law concerns and the structural financial imbalance between the Premier League and lower leagues.
The Football Governance Bill represents a fundamental shift from industry self-regulation toward statutory oversight. The regulator must somehow create holistic solutions while working within a system where the most powerful stakeholders—Premier League clubs—have both the strongest incentives to resist change and the greatest resources to challenge decisions through litigation.
The article is available to view at Solicitors Journal by subscription only.
About Jonathan
Jonathan Gorman is an associate in the restructuring and insolvency team. He advises clients in connection with both personal and corporate insolvencies, as well as in relation to issues arising in personal bankruptcies, company liquidations and administrations.
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