IFR annual cost to clubs rises to £20.3m, about double earlier estimate
On 23 October 2026 the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) said the annual cost to English clubs would be £20.3m, roughly double the figure previously forecast, and set out a proposed levy to meet those operating expenses.
The watchdog proposed a levy of £18.3m to fund operating costs and support 100 staff, alongside £1m to cover potential litigation and a further £1m toward a £45m set-up cost to be paid off over the next 10 years. The IFR described the charge as "a proportionate and affordable amount". That annual total is substantially higher than a 2019 impact assessment which estimated 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."
Under the proposed approach the IFR says it "seeks to ensure the greatest contributions come from those most able to afford it". The regulator said clubs taking part in Uefa and Fifa competitions, and those receiving Premier League parachute payments, would be required to contribute more under the levy model.
The IFR estimated the highest-earning Premier League clubs could be charged up to £1.8m per season, with most Premier League clubs paying £600,000. It set out approximate charges for lower tiers: Championship clubs not in receipt of parachute payments about £45,000, League One around £9,000 and League Two about £6,000. National League clubs were projected to pay less than £600 per season.
The watchdog argued the proposed £20.3m levy was "significantly lower than other UK regulators and the reported administrative expenses of other football bodies such as the Premier League (more than £200m in 2024/25), and the EFL (£35m)". Last week the IFR published its State of the Game report, which it said showed 94% of clubs are loss-making and that more than 60% of EFL and National League clubs are technically insolvent. Since being established last year, the regulator said it has carried out suitability checks on 40 owners, directors and senior executives and has been involved in negotiations between the Premier League and EFL over a new financial settlement.
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, making the proposed levy applicable to those clubs.
