Cost of football regulator double initial estimate

The annual cost to English clubs of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has risen to £20.3m, around double the amount initially estimated.

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.

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.

The IFR claims it will be "a proportionate and affordable amount", however it is significantly higher than the figure forecast in a 2019 impact assessment report, before legislation was finalised.

That estimated annual operating costs between £8-10.2m, for the first 10 years.

"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," said IFR chief executive Richard Monks.

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