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IFR warns 94% clubs lost money, sets 2030 plans

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 2:15 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Regulator Warns Club Insolvency

Independent Football Regulator says English football clubs are dangerously exposed to financial disaster.
94% of the 116 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs posted losses last season.
Over 60% of EFL and National League clubs are technically insolvent, with liabilities exceeding assets.
Total club debt, up 46% over five seasons, is forecast at £5.1 billion next season.
Transfer financing surged 1316% to £779 million.

Summary

IFR mandates plans

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) will require clubs to file a financial-resource action plan by 2030.
Premier League proposes a £180 million-a-year, 10-year deal.
EFL seeks £207 million annually.
The IFR’s six-point plan calls for revenue-distribution reform, a lifeboat fund and board diversity.
IFR chair David Kogan said he would resign if interference undermined Manchester City investigation.

History

Historical Context

ITV Digital entered administration in March 2002, abandoning a £315 million Football League rights deal and leaving clubs such as Bradford City and Barnsley with shortfalls that forced 14 teams into administration within four years. The league’s revenue fell to £700 k per season after Sky Sports bought the rights. The Independent Football Regulator warns that 94 % of 116 clubs posted losses, echoing the 2002-03 crisis.

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Regulator Warns Club Insolvency

Independent Football Regulator says English football clubs are dangerously exposed to financial disaster.
94% of the 116 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs posted losses last season.
Over 60% of EFL and National League clubs are technically insolvent, with liabilities exceeding assets.
Total club debt, up 46% over five seasons, is forecast at £5.1 billion next season.
Transfer financing surged 1316% to £779 million.

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