London, 14 May 2025 – Addleshaw Goddard hosted a high-profile panel discussion on Tuesday 13 May at its London headquarters, Milton Gate, focusing on the Football Governance Bill and the establishment of the new Independent Football Regulator (IFR) for English men’s elite football.

Chaired by Noel Power, Legal Director at Addleshaw Goddard, the discussion brought together influential voices from across football, law, politics and the media. The panel featured:

• Lord Markham CBE, Current Shadow Minister (Science, Innovation and Technology) and was on the Front Bench for the Conservatives for the passage of the Independent Football Regulator Bill in the Lords. He was formerly a Health Minister in charge of Tech and innovation and the new hospital program.
• Amy Wells, General Counsel, Burnley Football Club
• Mark Crane, Competition Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
• Natalie Bromley, broadcaster, fan content creator, member of a Fan Advisory Board at a EFL/Premier League Club and lawyer at Addleshaw Goddard

The event examined the wide-ranging powers and remit of the IFR, which is set to become a new statutory public body with authority over the top five tiers of men’s football. Discussions covered the IFR’s primary objectives: ensuring club financial soundness, securing the financial resilience of the English football system, and protecting the heritage and identity of clubs. Attendees benefitted from Lord Markham's insight from his position on the front bench in the House of Lords as the Bill passed through. Key themes included:

• The introduction of a licensing regime requiring clubs to meet governance and financial standards
• Strengthened owners’ and directors’ tests, including new suitability, source of wealth and financial plans assessments
• Mandated fan engagement structures and heritage protections covering stadiums, crests and colours
• A backstop mechanism allowing the IFR to intervene in the distribution of broadcasting revenues if industry-led solutions fail
• The requirement for clubs to report publicly on equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as their local economic and social contributions

Amy Wells – General Counsel of 2025/2026 Premier League team Burnley FC – observed:

"It was refreshing to participate in a panel discussion with such engaged and knowledgeable attendees.  What became clear was that there are still more questions than answers in terms of the remit of the IFR and whether or not this will increase the already heavy regulatory burden on clubs.

Natalie Bromley, reflecting on the fan perspective, said:

“Supporters want sustainable clubs rooted in their communities — not financial risk-taking or disconnection from local values. The IFR, if implemented effectively, can rebalance the game in favour of fans.”

Mark Crane, a regulatory lawyer with expertise in the sports sector noted: 

The panel praised the Bill’s ambition but emphasised the need for practical implementation, sector engagement, and regulatory clarity. Attendees included representatives from Premier League and EFL clubs, media, legal and policy professionals, and fan-led groups.

This event forms part of Addleshaw Goddard’s ongoing commitment to shaping the legal and regulatory landscape of professional sport in the UK and Europe.