FCA and Independent Football Regulator sign cooperation memorandum

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), establishing a framework for cooperation, coordination and information sharing between the two bodies.The FCA said the MoU sets out how the organisations will work together and support effective regulation where football and financial services intersect, and provides a high-level framework for cooperation principles between the IFR and the FCA.The published MoU says it is designed to support closer working, including the exchange of relevant information and intelligence to help both regulators discharge their functions, but adds that it does not create legally binding obligations on either party.The document is significant for football governance because the IFR’s remit includes the top five tiers of the English men’s game – from the Premier League to the National League – and covers club licensing, ownership and officer suitability, financial governance and enforcement powers under the Football Governance Act 2025.The MoU also notes that some FCA-authorised firms may include football clubs, for example where clubs hold permissions such as credit broking, underlining the practical overlap between football regulation and financial services supervision.It sets out statutory gateways for information sharing in both directions, alongside confidentiality, data protection and security provisions, including written information requests, secure transfer methods and annual review of the arrangement.The announcement suggests that football clubs may become FCA-regulated in future, although that has not been confirmed.Under the agreement, the parties will review the MoU annually, and either side may terminate it by giving three months’ written notice.