Premier League clubs are seeking clarity on a potential £100million regulator cost amid growing uncertainty

Premier League clubs are reportedly growing increasingly concerned over the potential cost and structure of the incoming Independent Football Regulator (IFR), with uncertainty remaining around how much each club - including Sunderland - could eventually be required to contribute.

According to The Guardian, clubs across both the Premier League and EFL have sought clarity on the regulator’s operating budget, which is believed to have risen significantly from the initial projection of around £10million per year (£100million over a 10-year period). However, those requests are said to have been met with limited detail, leading to mounting frustration.

It is claimed that concerns have intensified following the IFR’s recent appointment of US consultancy firm Boston Consulting Group, a move communicated to clubs last week. The firm is expected to play a key role in producing a comprehensive ‘State of the Game’ report, which will help shape future financial regulation across English football.

While the regulator is currently funded by the government, that arrangement is due to end at the start of the 2027-28 season. From that point, clubs across the top five tiers - including those in the Premier League - are expected to fund the body through a levy, though the exact structure of that payment model has yet to be confirmed. There is a general expectation that Premier League sides will shoulder the bulk of the cost, but it remains unclear whether contributions will be evenly split or weighted based on factors such as revenue or European participation.

The issue comes at a time when clubs are already facing rising operational and legal costs. Combined Premier League losses for the 2024-25 season are reported to have reached £1.65billion, with legal expenses in particular increasing sharply in recent years due to ongoing regulatory cases. Premier League clubs are said to have raised questions directly with IFR chair David Kogan and chief executive Richard Monks at recent meetings, though no firm figures have yet been provided.

The regulator is expected to launch a formal consultation process later this year, which will include discussions with clubs and other stakeholders before final decisions are made. At this stage, it remains unclear what Sunderland’s specific position is on the issue under joint owners Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori. However, as a Premier League club, they would fall within the group expected to contribute once the new funding model comes into effect.

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While any levy is expected to represent only a small proportion of Premier League revenues, it adds to a growing list of costs at a time when clubs are already navigating Profitability and Sustainability Rules (soon to change to Squad Cost Ratio). How that balance is managed could become an increasingly important consideration in future planning.

An IFR spokesperson said: “The IFR exists to improve the financial sustainability of clubs, the resilience of the leagues, and to protect the game’s rich heritage for fans. We are in the process of setting our budget and will be proportionate and cost-effective in our approach, and will communicate this with clubs at the earliest opportunity.”

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