Sanjay Bhandari Shortlisted for Landmark Role as Head of New Football Regulator
Sanjay Bhandari, the chairman of Kick It Out, a leading UK-based anti-racism charity in football, has been shortlisted as a candidate to lead Britain’s proposed new Independent Football Regulator (IFR). This landmark role would make him the first head of the watchdog body, tasked with overseeing the governance of English football. According to Sky News, Bhandari is among three finalists being considered by the government for this high-profile position. A decision is expected in the coming weeks, although the names of the other two contenders remain undisclosed.
Bhandari’s credentials make him a strong candidate for the role. Since 2019, he has chaired the board of trustees at Kick It Out, where he has been instrumental in championing equality and tackling racism in football. Prior to this, he spent over a decade as a partner at EY, one of the world’s largest professional services firms. Additionally, he serves as an independent non-executive director of the Lawn Tennis Association and chairs the Satellite Applications Catapult, a government-backed initiative to boost innovation in the UK space sector. In 2024, Bhandari was honored with an MBE for his services to sport, further cementing his reputation as a distinguished leader in the sector.
The Creation of the Independent Football Regulator: A New Era for Football Governance
The establishment of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) represents a seismic shift in the governance of English football. The idea for the watchdog was first conceived by the previous Conservative government following the fallout from the controversial European Super League (ESL) proposal, which sparked widespread outrage across the football community. The ESL debacle highlighted the need for greater oversight and accountability in the sport, particularly concerning financial dealings, fan engagement, and the distribution of resources.
The IFR is set to be the most significant reform in English football governance in history. Its primary responsibilities will include monitoring clubs’ adherence to rules requiring them to listen to fans’ views on critical issues, such as ticket pricing, as well as overseeing parachute payments made to clubs relegated from the Premier League. The regulator will also play a role in ensuring financial transparency and ethical ownership practices. However, the creation of the IFR has not been without controversy, with some stakeholders expressing concerns about its scope and potential overreach.
The government has recently dropped a requirement for the regulator to consider British foreign and trade policy when assessing the suitability of new club owners. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, as some argue it could pave the way for increased foreign investment, while others fear it may undermine the sport’s integrity.
Pushback from Premier League Clubs: A Gaping Divide in Football’s Governance
Despite the IFR’s aim to bring greater stability and fairness to English football, its creation has sparked significant unrest within the sport. Many Premier League clubs and their executives have criticized the regulator, arguing that it oversteps its bounds by interfering in areas they believe are best managed by the clubs themselves. Steve Parish, the chairman of Crystal Palace and a vocal critic of the IFR, recently outlined his frustrations at a Financial Times-organized sports industry conference.
Parish argued that the regulator “wants to interfere in all of the things we don’t need them to interfere in and help with none of the things we actually need help with.” He also highlighted the paradoxical treatment of football clubs, stating that they are often seen as both integral to community fabric and as profit-driven businesses, leading to conflicting demands and expectations. His comments reflect a broader sense of disillusionment among some Premier League clubs, which feel the IFR’s remit encroaches on their autonomy while failing to address systemic issues they face, such as financial sustainability and competitive imbalance.
In contrast, the English Football League (EFL), which governs the lower tiers of English football, has broadly welcomed the IFR. The EFL has long advocated for stronger governance and greater accountability in the sport’s financial dealings, particularly in the wake of high-profile financial mismanagement cases involving clubs like Manchester City.
The Regulatory Challenges Ahead: Navigating a Turbulent Landscape
The establishment of the IFR comes at a time of significant turmoil in English football. At the top of the professional game, Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City finds itself at the center of multiple legal disputes over its financial dealings, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the sport’s financial systems. These cases have brought the issue of financial regulation into sharp focus, with many calling for stronger oversight to ensure a level playing field.
For the incoming chair of the IFR, the challenges will be manifold. The regulator will need to strike a delicate balance between ensuring financial accountability, safeguarding the interests of fans, and respecting the autonomy of clubs. Additionally, the IFR will be tasked with addressing long-standing issues such as parachute payments, which have been criticized for exacerbating financial inequalities between Premier League and EFL clubs.
The regulator’s success will depend on its ability to navigate these competing interests and build trust across the football community. For Sanjay Bhandari, should he secure the role, the stakes will be high. His leadership will not only shape the IFR’s approach but also determine its legitimacy and effectiveness in the eyes of fans, clubs, and policymakers.
The Appointment Process: A Pivotal Moment for Football’s Future
The recruitment process for the IFR chair is nearing its conclusion, with interviews for the role having taken place in November. Sanjay Bhandari is believed to be the first of the three shortlisted candidates to be publicly disclosed. The position, which carries a salary of £130,000 per year, will be based in Manchester, the IFR’s new headquarters.
This is the second attempt to appoint a chair for the IFR, following the suspension of an earlier recruitment process due to the general election. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will have the final say on the appointment, with the preferred candidate expected to face a pre-appointment hearing before the Commons culture, media, and sport select committee. This level of scrutiny reflects the significance of the role and the high expectations surrounding the IFR’s impact on English football’s governance.
The Football Governance Bill, which is currently progressing through parliament, is expected to reach its next stage in March. The bill forms part of a broader effort to overhaul the sport’s oversight, marking the most fundamental transformation in English football governance in its history. As the appointment process unfolds, all eyes will be on the government’s decision and the vision of the chosen candidate for the future of the IFR.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Football Governance?
The shortlisting of Sanjay Bhandari as a candidate for the chair of the Independent Football Regulator represents a significant moment in the evolution of English football governance. With his extensive background in sport, business, and advocacy, Bhandari is well-positioned to lead the IFR during its critical early years. However, the challenges he and the regulator will face cannot be overstated. From navigating the complexities of financial regulation to addressing the concerns of fans and clubs, the IFR’s success will depend on its ability to balance competing interests and foster collaboration across the football community.
As the regulator takes shape, it remains to be seen whether it can bridge the divides that have long plagued English football. For Bhandari, the opportunity to shape a new era of governance is both a privilege and a responsibility. His leadership will not only define the IFR’s legacy but also set a new standard for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the sport. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the direction of English football and the role of the IFR in shaping its future.
