BBC Sport reported that the proposed annual cost to English clubs of the Independent Football Regulator has risen to £20.3m, around double the amount initially estimated. 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.
How the cost is made up
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.
A 2019 impact assessment report estimated annual operating costs between £8-10.2m for the first 10 years.
How clubs would be charged
The IFR claims the levy will be "a proportionate and affordable amount". Under the proposed approach, the IFR says it "seeks to ensure the greatest contributions come from those most able to afford it", with those participating in Uefa and Fifa competitions, as well as clubs in receipt of Premier League parachute payments, paying more.
The IFR estimates that the highest-earning Premier League clubs would be charged up to £1.8m per season, with most paying £600,000. The IFR estimates that Championship clubs not in receipt of parachute payments would pay around £45,000 per season, with League One clubs paying around £9,000, and League Two clubs £6,000. The IFR says National League clubs will pay less than £600 per season.
Richard Monks, IFR chief executive, said: "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."
Richard Monks said: "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."
What the IFR says
The IFR says the proposed levy of £20.3m is "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)".
The IFR published its State of the Game report, which said 94% of clubs are loss-making, and more than 60% of EFL and National League clubs are technically insolvent.
Work since its launch
Since being established last year, the IFR says it has carried out suitability checks on 40 owners, directors and senior executives, and been involved in negotiations between the Premier League and EFL over a new financial settlement.
Richard Monks said: "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."