A Premier League club must employ five kinds of official and give each one written terms of reference. The required posts run from the person in charge of daily business to supporter liaison and disability access officers.
The five required posts
Here are the five posts and the rule attached to each one.
| Post | What the rules require |
|---|---|
| Running the daily business | Enough administrative staff, suitable and properly equipped offices, contactable in office hours |
| Responsible for the finances | A nationally recognised accountancy or auditing qualification, or equivalent experience |
| Press or media officer | A nationally recognised qualification in journalism, or equivalent experience |
| Supporter liaison officer | One or more, with roles set out elsewhere in the rules |
| Disability access officer | One or more, with roles set out elsewhere in the rules |
What each post covers
The post in charge of daily business is about the club's ordinary day-to-day operation. The requirement goes beyond naming one person, because the club also needs enough administrative support, suitable office space with proper equipment, and a way to reach that function during normal office hours.
The finance post and the press or media post each allow two routes to competence: a nationally recognised qualification or enough relevant experience. Supporter liaison officers and disability access officers can be appointed as one or more people, while their detailed roles sit elsewhere in the rules.
Written terms of reference and staff obligations
Each of the five required posts must have written terms of reference. The club therefore has to define the role in writing rather than leave it as an informal title.
Each club must bind every one of its officials to comply with the rules throughout the period of appointment or employment. In one case, that duty continues at all times after that period as well. Clubs must also bind their officials to seek permission before contributing to the media, whether the appearance is on television, radio, online or through another channel.
Equality, diversity and inclusion standard
Clubs must adopt the league's equality, diversity and inclusion standard. That requirement reaches beyond the five mandatory posts.
Every club, manager, official, player and academy player must observe the standard and act in accordance with it. So the EDI duty is part of the club's operating framework, not a separate optional policy.
FAQ
Does a Premier League club need a press or media officer?
Yes. A press or media officer is one of the five categories of official that every club must employ.
The person in the role must either hold a nationally recognised journalism qualification or have enough experience to show competence. The club also has to give the role written terms of reference.
Who runs the daily business of a Premier League club?
One required official is responsible for running the club's daily business. The role sits at the centre of ordinary day-to-day administration.
The club must back that role with enough administrative staff, suitable and properly equipped offices, and must make sure the role can be contacted during normal office hours.
What is a supporter liaison officer?
A supporter liaison officer is one of the mandatory official posts and can be filled by one or more people. The detailed role and responsibilities are set out elsewhere in the rules.
At this level, the key point is that the post must exist and must come with written terms of reference. It is part of the club's required staffing structure.
Can a club employee speak to the media without approval?
Not if that person is one of the club's officials. Officials must seek the club's permission before contributing to the media.
The rule covers television, radio, online media and other forms of media. The approval requirement is part of the club's binding obligations on its officials.