Member

This is not a case of wanting to mark one’s own homework. It is about recognising that the leagues are often best placed to implement rules that are holistic and cognisant of competitive and investment dynamics, while the IFR can provide the framework, the strategic oversight and the step-in powers to ensure compliance and consistency. More of a partnership model, where leagues play a key role in implementing outcomes-based financial standards, would strike an appropriate balance between independence and collaboration. It would respect the unique strengths of English football while addressing its weaknesses. Let me be clear: this may well be how the regulator ends up working, but would it not be a good idea to provide that steer now, rather than leave so much room for discretion that we really have no idea how the regulatory system will work in practice?