A football club’s guide – dealing with information requests from the IFR and key risks for clubs, individuals and related parties
The new Independent Football Regulator (IFR), modelled on UK financial services supervision, has extensive information-gathering and information-sharing powers under the Football Governance Act 2025[1] (the Act). Therefore, clubs should look (ever closer) at the horizon:
- What happens if the IFR deems it necessary to gather information for supervision and potential enforcement of the new regime?
- How can parties prepare and react, as well as manage the requirements of other supervisory bodies that may be engaged in any investigation?
This article highlights the most significant risks for clubs, related individuals and third parties, as well as practical steps that can be proactively taken to mitigate those risks.
Article outline:
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Written by
Joanna M Dimmock
Jo is a partner with 20 years of experience of representing companies and individuals facing complex and sensitive issues relating to criminal, regulatory or reputational matters.
Jo has acted on high-profile cases including defending a prominent football agent against allegations of tax evasion on player transfers.
Jo is consistently recognised by the Legal Directories for her work with high-net worth individuals and has previously been recognised as Times Lawyer of the Week.
Zeena Saleh
Zeena is a partner with experience in conducting internal investigations involving alleged regulatory breaches often supporting clients through a crisis.
She acts for a range of individuals and bodies and advises on a broad range of issues including on authorisations, systems and controls, skilled person reviews and enforcement action brought by a number of regulators and law enforcement bodies.
Zeena uses her wealth of experience from her time in-house to provide her clients with pragmatic advice in respect of high-stakes issues.
Zeena is recognised by the Legal 500 as a Rising Star.
Bethany Gregory
Bethany is an associate at Dentons with experience of representing clients in complex regulatory investigations, as well as conducting sensitive internal investigations and helping clients to navigate supervisory enquiries.
She advises on a wide range of issues, including financial crime, non-financial misconduct, regulatory reporting, individual accountability, and other types of systems and controls failings.
