Insights, analysis and events
from Lagom Sports Compliance
Tracking the practical implications of EU 2024/1624, football governance developments, enforcement trends and the compliance issues that matter to clubs, agents and their counterparties.
The IFR ODSE regime: who needs approval, what the regulator assesses, and what clubs must do now
The Independent Football Regulator's Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime came into force on 5 May 2026. It is not a future obligation. It is not a consultation. Every regulated club in the top five tiers of English men's professional football must comply with it now, and most clubs are only beginning to understand what that compliance actually requires.
IFR football club licensing: the complete guide
Every regulated club in the top five tiers of English football must hold an IFR operating licence to compete from the 2027/28 season. Here is exactly how the licensing regime works, what it requires, and what it costs to get it wrong.