Football's new financial crime regime: the IFR, AML and what it means for clubs, agents and advisers

A number of recent developments demonstrate a step change in terms of domestic regulation and enforcement that should serve as a warning to those involved in the commercial side of football – clubs, agents and professional services providers alike – that the authorities seem set on a course of greater scrutiny and more active intervention.

This article looks at these recent changes, describes the broad range of financial crime risks inherent in the business of football, considers some of the efforts made to date to combat such risks and looks forward to how the current mood music might play out. Whatever form it takes, it seems likely that there will be significant financial regulatory reforms coming to UK football, adding to the already considerable body (and burden) of more conventional sporting regulations.

Article overview

• What are the recent changes to football’s financial crime landscape?
• Why is football being targeted?
• What might the UK Government and IFR’s new approach look like?
• Lingering questions for the IFR

What are the recent changes to football’s financial crime landscape?