Football Governance Act 2025

Section 5

Schedule 2 E+W The Independent Football Regulator

Part 1 E+W Constitution of the IFR

Constitution of the IFR E+W

1 (1) Until the end of the initial period, the IFR is to consist only of the Board.

(2) After the initial period ends, the IFR is to consist of—

(a) the Board, and

(b) the Expert Panel.

(3) In this paragraph the “initial period” means the period which—

(a) begins with the commencement of this Act, and

(b) ends with the time when an appointment of a member of the Expert Panel takes effect that brings the number of members of the Expert Panel up to the number that the Chief Executive Officer has determined in accordance with paragraph 23.

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 2 para. 1 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Part 2 E+W The Board

Membership E+W

2 (1) The Board is to consist of—

(a) the non-executive members, and

(b) the executive members.

(2) The non-executive members are—

(a) a chair, and

(b) up to seven other members.

(3) The executive members are—

(a) the Chief Executive Officer,

(b) the Chief Finance Officer, and

(c) one other member.

(4) The executive members are to be members of the IFR’s staff.

Commencement Information

I2 Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Appointments to the Board E+W

3 (1) The non-executive members are to be appointed by the Secretary of State.

(2) A person may not be appointed as a non-executive member if the person is a member of the IFR’s staff.

Commencement Information

I3 Sch. 2 para. 3 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

4 (1) The chair may appoint any other non-executive member to be the deputy chair.

(2) Before appointing a person as the deputy chair, the chair must consult the Secretary of State.

(3) The deputy chair may carry out the functions of the chair in such cases and in such manner as may be determined by or in accordance with any directions given by the chair.

Commencement Information

I4 Sch. 2 para. 4 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

5 (1) The Chief Executive Officer is to be appointed by the chair.

(2) The other executive members are to be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer.

(3) Before appointing a person as the Chief Executive Officer, the chair must consult—

(a) the Secretary of State, and

(b) the non-executive members.

Commencement Information

I5 Sch. 2 para. 5 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

6 (1) A person (“A”) may not be appointed as a member of the Board unless the person appointing A is satisfied that A does not have a conflict of interest.

(2) A person who appointed a member of the Board must, from time to time, check that none of the members appointed by them has a conflict of interest.

(3) A person who appointed a member of the Board may require a member appointed by them to provide whatever information the person considers necessary for the purpose of checking that the member does not have a conflict of interest.

(4) A member of the Board who is required to provide information under sub-paragraph (3) must provide it within such period as may be specified by the person who appointed them.

Commencement Information

I6 Sch. 2 para. 6 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Declaration and registration of interests of members of the Board E+W

7 (1) The IFR must establish and maintain a system for the declaration and registration of relevant interests of members of the Board.

(2) In this paragraph “relevant interest”, in relation to a member of the Board, means a financial or other interest that may be relevant to the IFR’s exercise of its functions under this Act.

Commencement Information

I7 Sch. 2 para. 7 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Tenure and remuneration of non-executive members E+W

8 (1) A non-executive member of the Board holds and vacates office in accordance with that person’s terms of appointment, subject to this paragraph and paragraph 9.

(2) Any appointment of a non-executive member must be for a fixed term of not more than five years.

(3) But a person may be appointed as a non-executive member more than once.

(4) A person may resign as a non-executive member by notifying the Secretary of State.

(5) A person ceases to be a non-executive member upon becoming a member of the IFR’s staff.

Commencement Information

I8 Sch. 2 para. 8 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

9 A non-executive member of the Board may be removed from office as a member of the Board if the Secretary of State is satisfied that the person—

(a) is guilty of serious misconduct;

(b) has a conflict of interest;

(c) has failed to comply with paragraph 6(4);

(d) is unable, unfit or unwilling to carry out their functions as a member of the Board.

Commencement Information

I9 Sch. 2 para. 9 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

10 (1) The IFR must pay its non-executive members such remuneration as the Secretary of State may determine.

(2) The IFR must pay, or make provision for paying, to or in respect of a person who is or has been a non-executive member of the Board, such sums as the Secretary of State may determine in respect of allowances or expenses.

Commencement Information

I10 Sch. 2 para. 10 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Tenure etc and remuneration of members of the IFR’s staff (including executive members) E+W

11 (1) The Board may—

(a) appoint employees, and

(b) make such other arrangements for the staffing of the IFR as it considers appropriate, including arrangements for persons to be seconded to the IFR.

(2) This paragraph is subject to paragraph 12.

Commencement Information

I11 Sch. 2 para. 11 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

12 (1) The terms on which executive members are, by virtue of paragraph 2(4), to become, or continue to be—

(a) persons seconded to the IFR under paragraph 11(1)(b), or

(b) employees of the IFR,

are to be determined by the non-executive members, subject to paragraph 13.

(2) The terms of employment of employees are to be determined by the non-executive members.

(3) The IFR must pay its employees such remuneration as may be determined by the non-executive members.

(4) The IFR must pay, or make provision for paying, to or in respect of an executive member of the IFR, or a member of the IFR’s staff—

(a) such sums in respect of pensions, allowances or gratuities relating to service as an executive member, or member of staff, as may be determined by the non-executive members, and

(b) such sums in respect of allowances or expenses as may be determined by the non-executive members.

Commencement Information

I12 Sch. 2 para. 12 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

13 (1) A person may resign as an executive member by notifying the chair.

(2) A person ceases to be an executive member upon ceasing to be a member of the IFR’s staff.

(3) An executive member may be removed from office as a member of the Board if the person who appointed them is satisfied that the person—

(a) is guilty of serious misconduct;

(b) has a conflict of interest;

(c) has failed to comply with paragraph 6(4);

(d) is unable, unfit or unwilling to carry out their functions as an executive member.

Commencement Information

I13 Sch. 2 para. 13 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Exercise of functions by the Board E+W

14 Except where otherwise provided by this Act (see section 82 and paragraphs 18 to 21), the functions of the IFR are exercisable by the Board on behalf of the IFR.

Commencement Information

I14 Sch. 2 para. 14 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Committees and procedure of the Board E+W

15 (1) The Board may establish committees.

(2) A committee established under sub-paragraph (1) may establish sub-committees.

(3) A committee or sub-committee of the Board may include or consist of persons who are neither non-executive members nor executive members.

Commencement Information

I15 Sch. 2 para. 15 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

16 (1) The Board may determine its own procedure and the procedure of any committee or sub-committee, subject to this paragraph.

(2) The quorum for a meeting of the Board is to be determined by the chair but a meeting of the Board is not quorate unless—

(a) the chair or deputy chair is in attendance, and

(b) (including the chair or deputy chair) at least half of the Board’s members are in attendance.

(3) A member of the Board may at any time resign from a committee of the Board by giving written notice to the chair.

(4) The chair may remove a person from membership of a committee of the Board if the chair considers that—

(a) the person will be unable, for a substantial period, to perform their duties as a member of the committee, or

(b) because of a particular interest of the member of the committee, it is inappropriate for them to remain a member of the committee.

(5) Where a person ceases to be a member of a committee of the Board, the chair may select a replacement member of the committee from the Board.

(6) The validity of proceedings of the Board, or a committee or sub-committee of the Board, is not affected by a vacancy or defective appointment.

Commencement Information

I16 Sch. 2 para. 16 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Disqualification from acting in relation to certain matters E+W

17 (1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) a member of the Board has a direct or indirect interest in a matter falling to be considered at a meeting of the Board, or

(b) a member of a committee of the Board has a direct or indirect interest in a matter falling to be considered at a meeting of the committee of the Board.

(2) The member with the interest must declare it.

(3) The declaration must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

(4) The member with the interest may not take part in a discussion or decision at the meeting relating to the matter, unless—

(a) in the case of a meeting of the Board, the other members of the Board who are present have resolved unanimously that the interest is to be disregarded, or

(b) in the case of a meeting of a committee of the Board, the other members of the committee who are present have resolved in the manner authorised by the Board that the interest is to be disregarded.

(5) For the purposes of this paragraph, a notification given at or sent to a meeting mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) that a person—

(a) is a member of a company or firm, and

(b) is to be regarded as interested in any matter involving that company or firm,

is to be regarded as compliance with sub-paragraph (2) in relation to any such matter for the purposes of that meeting and subsequent meetings of the Board or the committee of the Board.

(6) A notification described in sub-paragraph (5) remains in force until it is withdrawn.

(7) A person required to make a declaration for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to any meeting—

(a) is not required to attend the meeting, but

(b) is to be taken to have complied with the requirements of this paragraph if the person takes reasonable steps to secure that notice of the person’s interest is read out, and taken into consideration, at the meeting in question.

(8) See section 82(10) and (11) for related provision (persons who can carry out internal reviews).

Commencement Information

I17 Sch. 2 para. 17 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Delegation by the Board etc E+W

18 (1) Subject to paragraph 20, the Board may delegate any of its functions to—

(a) a member of the Board,

(b) a member of the IFR’s staff,

(c) a committee established by the Board, or

(d) the Expert Panel.

(2) A function is delegated under this paragraph to the extent and on the terms that the Board determines.

Commencement Information

I18 Sch. 2 para. 18 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

19 (1) Subject to paragraph 20, a committee established by the Board may delegate any of its functions to—

(a) a member of the committee, or

(b) a sub-committee established by it.

(2) A function is delegated under this paragraph to the extent and on the terms that the committee of the Board determines.

(3) The power of a committee established by the Board to delegate a function under this paragraph, and to determine the extent and terms of the delegation, is subject to the Board’s power to direct what a committee established by it may and may not do.

Commencement Information

I19 Sch. 2 para. 19 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

20 (1) The following functions of the Board may be delegated by it only to a committee established by it—

(a) the function of revoking a provisional operating licence under section 19;

(b) the function of making a determination under Part 4 in relation to a person;

(c) the function of making an order under section 38 or 43;

(d) the function of specifying a competition as a prohibited competition under section 45;

(e) the function of deciding whether the resolution process should be triggered under section 59;

(f) the function of making a distribution order under section 62;

(g) the function of suspending or revoking an operating licence under paragraph 9 of Schedule 9;

(h) the function of carrying out a review requested under section 82 of any decision made by virtue of the exercise of a function mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (g).

(2) A committee of the Board to which a function is delegated under this paragraph may not further delegate the function.

Commencement Information

I20 Sch. 2 para. 20 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

21 The delegation of a function by the Board under paragraph 18 or 20, or by a committee of the Board under paragraph 19, does not prevent the Board or a committee of the Board (as the case may be) from exercising the function.

Commencement Information

I21 Sch. 2 para. 21 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Records of proceedings E+W

22 The Board must make arrangements for the keeping of proper records of—

(a) its proceedings,

(b) the proceedings of a committee of the Board, and

(c) anything done by a person or committee to which the Board has delegated functions under paragraph 18(1).

Commencement Information

I22 Sch. 2 para. 22 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Part 3 E+W The Expert Panel

Number of members E+W

23 (1) The number of members of the Expert Panel is to be determined by the Chief Executive Officer.

(2) The number must not be less than six.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the number for the time being mentioned in sub-paragraph (2).

Commencement Information

I23 Sch. 2 para. 23 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Appointments to the Expert Panel E+W

24 (1) The members of the Expert Panel are to be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer.

(2) The Chief Executive Officer must exercise the power in sub-paragraph (1) so as to secure that the range of skills, knowledge and experience of the members of the Expert Panel (taken together) includes skills, knowledge and experience in relation to—

(a) the operation, organisation or governance of clubs or competitions, and

(b) financial or other regulation.

(3) A person (“A”) may not be appointed as a member of the Expert Panel unless the Chief Executive Officer is satisfied that A does not have a conflict of interest.

(4) The Chief Executive Officer must, from time to time, check that none of the members of the Expert Panel has a conflict of interest.

(5) The Chief Executive Officer may require a member of the Expert Panel to provide whatever information the Chief Executive Officer considers necessary for the purpose of checking that the member does not have a conflict of interest.

(6) A member of the Expert Panel who is required to provide information under sub-paragraph (5) must provide it within such period as may be specified by the Chief Executive Officer.

Commencement Information

I24 Sch. 2 para. 24 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Declaration and registration of interests of members of the Expert Panel E+W

25 (1) The IFR must establish and maintain a system for the declaration and registration of relevant interests of members of the Expert Panel.

(2) In this paragraph “relevant interest”, in relation to a member of the Expert Panel, means a financial or other interest that may be relevant to the IFR’s exercise of its functions under this Act.

Commencement Information

I25 Sch. 2 para. 25 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Tenure and remuneration of Expert Panel members E+W

26 (1) A member of the Expert Panel holds and vacates their membership in accordance with that person’s terms of appointment, subject to sub-paragraph (2).

(2) A member of the Expert Panel may be removed from office as such a member if the Chief Executive Officer is satisfied that the person—

(a) is guilty of serious misconduct;

(b) has a conflict of interest;

(c) has failed to comply with paragraph 24(6);

(d) is unable, unfit or unwilling to carry out their functions as a member of the Expert Panel.

(3) The IFR may pay such remuneration or allowances to persons appointed to the Expert Panel as the Chief Executive Officer may determine.

Commencement Information

I26 Sch. 2 para. 26 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Committees and procedure of the Expert Panel E+W

27 Where the Board delegates a function to the Expert Panel (see paragraph 18), the Chief Executive Officer must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Board delegates the function, establish a committee of the Expert Panel to carry out the function.

Commencement Information

I27 Sch. 2 para. 27 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

28 (1) The Chief Executive Officer must establish committees of the Expert Panel where required to so by this Act (see section 82 and paragraph 27).

(2) The Chief Executive Officer may establish other committees of the Expert Panel.

(3) Each committee of the Expert Panel must consist of at least three members of the Expert Panel appearing to the Chief Executive Officer to have skills, knowledge or experience relating to the function which is to be exercised by the committee.

(4) The Chief Executive Officer must appoint one of the members of the committee of the Expert Panel to chair the committee.

(5) A committee of the Expert Panel may only consist of persons who are members of the Expert Panel.

Commencement Information

I28 Sch. 2 para. 28 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

29 (1) The Expert Panel may determine its own procedure and the procedure of any committee.

(2) A member of the Expert Panel may at any time resign from a committee of the Expert Panel by giving notice to the Chief Executive Officer.

(3) The Chief Executive Officer may remove a person from membership of a committee of the Expert Panel if the Chief Executive Officer considers that—

(a) the person will be unable, for a substantial period, to perform their duties as a member of the committee, or

(b) because of a particular interest of the member of the committee, it is inappropriate for them to remain a member of the committee.

(4) Where a person ceases to be a member of a committee of the Expert Panel, the Chief Executive Officer may select a replacement member of the committee from the Expert Panel.

(5) A person’s ceasing to be a member of a committee of the Expert Panel does not—

(a) prevent the committee from continuing with anything begun before the person ceased to be a member of it, or

(b) affect anything done by the person or the committee before the person ceased to be a member of it (unless the Chief Executive Officer directs otherwise).

Commencement Information

I29 Sch. 2 para. 29 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

30 (1) In exercising its functions, the Expert Panel must act independently of the Board.

(2) But sub-paragraph (1) does not prevent—

(a) the Board giving information in its possession to the Expert Panel (and the Expert Panel having regard to that information), or

(b) the Expert Panel giving information in its possession to the Board.

Commencement Information

I30 Sch. 2 para. 30 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Disqualification from acting in relation to certain matters E+W

31 (1) This paragraph applies if a member of a committee of the Expert Panel has a direct or indirect interest in a matter falling to be considered at a meeting of that committee.

(2) The member with the interest must declare it.

(3) The declaration must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

(4) The member with the interest may not take part in a discussion or decision at the meeting relating to the matter, unless the other members of the committee who are present have resolved in the manner authorised by the Chief Executive Officer that the interest is to be disregarded.

(5) For the purposes of this paragraph, a notification given at or sent to a meeting mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) that a person—

(a) is a member of a company or firm, and

(b) is to be regarded as interested in any matter involving that company or firm,

is to be regarded as compliance with sub-paragraph (2) in relation to any such matter for the purposes of that meeting and subsequent meetings of the committee of the Expert Panel.

(6) A notification described in sub-paragraph (5) remains in force until it is withdrawn.

(7) A person required to make a declaration for the purposes of this paragraph in relation to any meeting—

(a) is not required to attend the meeting, but

(b) is to be taken to have complied with the requirements of this paragraph if the person takes reasonable steps to secure that notice of the person’s interest is read out, and taken into consideration, at the meeting in question.

(8) See section 82(10) and (11) for related provision (persons who can carry out internal reviews).

Commencement Information

I31 Sch. 2 para. 31 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Records of Expert Panel committee proceedings E+W

32 The Chief Executive Officer must make arrangements for the keeping of proper records of the proceedings of a committee of the Expert Panel.

Commencement Information

I32 Sch. 2 para. 32 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Part 4 E+W Other matters

Appointment of observer E+W

33 The Secretary of State must appoint a representative of the Football Association as an independent observer of the IFR’s proceedings.

Commencement Information

I33 Sch. 2 para. 33 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Accounts and audit E+W

34 (1) The IFR must—

(a) keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to them, and

(b) prepare a statement of accounts in respect of each financial year.

(2) Each statement of accounts must comply with any directions given by the Secretary of State as to—

(a) its content and form;

(b) the methods and principles to be applied in preparing it;

(c) the additional information (if any) which is to be provided for the information of Parliament.

(3) The IFR must send a copy of each statement of accounts to the Secretary of State and the Comptroller and Auditor General as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the financial year to which the statement relates.

(4) The Comptroller and Auditor General must—

(a) examine, certify and report on each statement of accounts, and

(b) send a copy of each report and certified statement to the Secretary of State.

(5) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a copy of each document mentioned in sub-paragraph (4)(b).

(6) In this paragraph, “financial year” means—

(a) the period beginning with the day on which this Schedule comes into force and ending with 31 March in the following year, and

(b) each successive period of 12 months.

Commencement Information

I34 Sch. 2 para. 34 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Seal and evidence E+W

35 (1) The application of the IFR’s seal must be authenticated by the signature of—

(a) a member, or

(b) another person authorised for that purpose by the Board.

(2) A document purporting to be duly executed under the IFR’s seal or signed on its behalf—

(a) is to be received in evidence, and

(b) is to be taken to be executed or signed in that way, unless the contrary is shown.

Commencement Information

I35 Sch. 2 para. 35 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Status E+W

36 (1) The IFR is not to be regarded—

(a) as the servant or agent of the Crown, or

(b) as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.

(2) The IFR’s property is not to be regarded—

(a) as the property of the Crown, or

(b) as property held on behalf of the Crown.

Commencement Information

I36 Sch. 2 para. 36 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Supplementary powers E+W

37 (1) The IFR may do anything which it considers will facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the carrying out of its functions under this Act.

(2) But (subject to paragraph 38) the IFR may not borrow money.

Commencement Information

I37 Sch. 2 para. 37 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)

Financial assistance E+W

38 (1) The Secretary of State may provide to the IFR such financial assistance as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(2) Financial assistance under this paragraph may be provided subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

Commencement Information

I38 Sch. 2 para. 38 in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(2)(b)