Independent Football Regulator warns most English clubs are ‘living on financial brink’

A new landmark report from the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has warned that the vast majority of English football clubs operate under severe financial risk. Following an 18-month investigation, the regulator's 'State of the Game' report revealed that 94% of the 160 regulated clubs trade unprofitably despite combined revenues exceeding £9bn. IFR chair David Kogan highlighted that 32 clubs have less than a 30-day cash reserve if owners stop funding them.

The regulator has introduced a six-point intervention plan ahead of launching mandatory club licensing in November. The framework will require teams to hold at least 30 days of operating cash and manage debt more strictly. The IFR also reiterated it has statutory backstop powers to enforce a revenue distribution deal between the Premier League and the EFL if they fail to reach an agreement.