The annual cost to English clubs of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has risen to £20.3m, around double the amount initially estimated.

The watchdog has proposed a levy to fund operating costs of £18.3m to support 100 staff, with a further £1m to cover potential litigation.

Another £1m is towards a total estimated set-up cost of £45m, to be paid off over the next 10 years.

From next season, all regulated clubs in the top five divisions of English men’s football will be required to pay for the IFR’s operations.

The IFR claims it will be “a proportionate and affordable amount”, however it is significantly higher than the figure forecast in a 2019 impact assessment report, before legislation was finalised.

That estimated annual operating costs between £8-10.2m, for the first 10 years.

“I am aware of the £10m figure and to be clear that is not a number we believe reflects either the current financial reality or the task ahead of us,” said IFR chief executive Richard Monks.

“The levy we are proposing today represents a fair and balanced approach and will ensure that most clubs pay around 0.1% of their annual revenues.

“We are confident football will see this is a relatively modest investment to help achieve a more sustainable ecosystem which will provide peace of mind for fans, clubs and the communities they serve.”

However, the Conservative shadow sports minister Louie French posted on social media: “Government forecast costs of their new Football Regulator to be between £77m and £106m over 10 years. Set up costs are estimated to be £45m. First year operating costs are more than £18m.

“The IFR is clearly not the ‘light touch’ regulator promised to clubs and Parliament.”



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