Establishing an Independent Regulator in Football

The Fan Led Review identified the creation of an Independent Regulator for English [Pyramid] Football (IREF) as being vital to preserve the game. With the full support of the club we are seeking the views of Swansea City fans on this recommendation. 

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* 1. IREF should have a statutory objective of ensuring English pyramid football is sustainable and competitive for the benefit of existing and future fans and the local communities football clubs serve. It should have further duties to promote other aspects of the game.

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* 2. In achieving its objectives, IREF should utilise a licensing system under which each club operating in professional men’s football (ie Step 5 level (National League) or above) would be required to hold a licence to operate and be subject to various licence conditions. Licence fees should be based on a sliding scale of broadcast revenue.

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* 3. IREF should operate a system of advocacy to help clubs comply with rules, but also have strong investigatory and enforcement powers.

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* 4. IREF should have a chair and board with expertise from a range of industries, appointed by a panel of experts separate from the government. The FA should have observer status on the IREF board

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* 5. IREF should publish an annual report setting out its operational and financial performance for the previous year and be accountable to Parliament, meeting with the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee at least once a year to review its operational performance and value for money.

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* 6. IREF should be set up in a shadow form, working with the industry to ensure it is operationally functional as soon as legislation comes into force.

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* 7. Please leave any additional comments you may have on the regulation of football in this box

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