Part 2The Independent Football Regulator

Reports, statements and guidance

10State of the game report

(1)

The IFR must prepare and publish a report (a “state of the game report”) on the state of English football so far as relevant to the exercise of the IFR’s functions under this Act.

(2)

A state of the game report must include—

(a)

an overview of the main issues that the IFR considers to be affecting English football,

(b)

an assessment of whether any feature, or combination of features, of English football jeopardises, or risks jeopardising, the IFR’s ability to advance one or more of its objectives, and

(c)

information about any other matters relating to the state of English football, so far as relevant to the exercise of the IFR’s functions under this Act, that the IFR considers appropriate.

(3)

The first state of the game report must be published as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event no later than the end of the period of 18 months beginning with the day on which the first regulations made under section 2(3) come into force.

(4)

Each subsequent state of the game report must be published before the end of the period of five years beginning with the day on which the previous report is published.

(5)

Before publishing a state of the game report, the IFR must—

(a)

publish a notice—

(i)

stating that it intends to prepare a report, and

(ii)

inviting suggestions about matters to be included in the report,

(b)

prepare a draft report, having regard to any suggestions made within the period specified in the notice, and

(c)

consult the following about the draft report—

(i)

the Football Association;

(ii)

each specified competition organiser;

(iii)

such other persons as the IFR considers appropriate.