Football regulator launches Fan Advisory Working Group

Posted on 26th June 2026

The work of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is now underway and, as part of its commitment to connecting with supporters, the regulator has set up an interim Fan Advisory Working Group.

It has been established with the support of the Football Supporters’ Association and brings together selected fan representatives to share their views and experiences which will help inform the IFR’s work.

The IFR itself was formed following the Fan-led Review of Football Governance – which the FSA was heavily involved in helping to set up. The process gave all of our supporter organisations the chance to feed their views into the Government review.

This in turn led to legislation which was passed by the current Government last July.

IFR: “We want to practice what we preach by involving fans in the regulatory process. Their voices won’t just be heard – they’ll help shape what we do.”

The Fan Advisory Working Group is temporary by design, as membership will change in time, and one of its key responsibilities is to support the development of the concept. Having fan perspectives on from day one will help shape the IFR’s approach.

Members of the group bring a range of skills, experience and fan insight across the top five levels of the men’s game.

“The FSA has been instrumental in creating a regulator that will ensure clubs are engaging and consulting with their fans,” said Ashley Brown, the FSA’s head of supporter engagement and governance.

“It is imperative that the regulator has a medium to engage and consult fans on a national basis, and the FSA is pleased to help facilitate that platform. Its initial membership brings a diversity of people and skills, ready to be a critical friend to the IFR”.

Members take part in a personal capacity and, while passionate fans of their own teams, they do not sit on the IFR advisory group as representatives of any clubs, supporters’ group or other organisations.