Football regulator's first 'State of the Game' report due on Tuesday

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is expected to publish its first State of the Game report on Tuesday 13 October, according to PA Media and The Guardian. This story will be updated when the report is published.

What the law requires

Section 10 of the Football Governance Act 2025 requires the regulator to prepare and publish a report on the state of English football. The IFR says it must consult on a draft before publishing a final report, and must publish by May 2027.

What has been reported ahead of publication

• The Guardian reports the document is a 250-page draft, followed by an eight-week consultation, with a final version in the spring.
• The Guardian reports it will find that 94% of the 116 clubs in scope are loss-making, and will recommend greater cost controls. Sky News reported the same figure from an industry source.
• Sky News reported that the IFR will consult on its funding levy on clubs during the week of 19 October.

FCKFIFA has not seen the report. These figures are other outlets' reporting of a document not yet published, and may change.

Why it matters to supporters

The report is meant to shape how the regulator licenses clubs and tests owners. It will also land in the middle of the dispute between the Premier League and the EFL over money for the rest of the pyramid: the Guardian reports the League has offered £180m a year over ten years, while the EFL wants £207m. If the leagues cannot agree, the regulator has powers to impose a settlement.