Regulator warns of 'financial disaster' for English football

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) published its draft 'State of the Game' report on Tuesday, revealing that despite English football generating £9 billion in revenue last season, 94% of clubs in the top five divisions were loss-making. The report found that 32 clubs could not survive more than 30 days without owner funding, and total debt in English football is forecast to rise above £5 billion by the end of this season. IFR chair David Kogan warned that English football stands 'on the edge of financial disaster' and urged the sport to act before it is too late, particularly as broadcast revenues are predicted to plateau or decline in the next cycle.