Football governance in England is set for a major shift, with fan movements, the introduction of an Independent Football Regulator (IFR), and growing pressure on clubs to adapt.
In this episode of Listen without Prejudice, we explore what this means for the future of the sport—from financial transparency to stricter regulations—and why football clubs can no longer overlook the need for reform.
Andrew Kavanagh and David Little of the Bishop & Sewell Corporate Commercial and Sports Law teams sit down to share their take on sport and governance.
They discuss the complexities of the current state of football and the need for more robust measures to protect fans, ensure club accountability, and preserve the integrity of the game in the UK.
David and Andy break down the proposed Football Governance Bill and the potential role of an IFR, examining how these changes could impact the way football clubs are run.
Additionally, they delve into the Premier League’s role as one of the UK’s most valuable exports, exploring its unique ownership structure and the financial power of international broadcasting rights.
Finally, they discuss the broader impact these governance changes could have on football culture, reflecting on the growing influence of fan-led movements and the government’s increasing involvement.
With football at a crossroads, this conversation highlights why governance and regulation are crucial for securing its future.
Catch the full discussion in this week’s episode!



