Complaints Procedure
The Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) is the final stage in the complaints process established by the English professional Football Authorities (the Football Association [FA], the Premier League [PL] and The English Football League [EFL]). The IFO comprises an Ombudsman, Deputy and an Advisory Panel. This document explains the role of the IFO. This document is …
IFC Reports
The Independent Football Commission (IFC) ran from 2001-2008 as an integral part of football’s self-regulatory system. The published reports of the IFC may be viewed and downloaded via the list below.
Terms of Reference
1 July 2016 The Independent Football Ombudsman (the IFO) is appointed by the Football Association (FA), the English Football League (EFL) and the Premier League (PL) [hereafter, the football authorities], in consultation with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The IFO provides independent external scrutiny of complaints within a transparent, accountable and effective …
Who’s Who at the IFO?
The Independent Football Ombudsman (“IFO”) is comprised of a Chief Ombudsman and a Deputy Ombudsman, both of whom are classified as ADR Officials under The Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015. They are assisted from time-to-time by the members of an Advisory Panel. The Chief Ombudsman is appointed by …
About the IFO
What is the IFO? The office of the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) was created in July 2008 by the English Football Authorities (the Football Association, the Premier League and The English Football League) with the agreement of Government. The IFO was established by the football authorities to receive and adjudicate on complaints which have failed …
A ban at West Ham United
A West Ham supporter complained that he had been unjustly banned by the Club after he had inadvertently been caught up in a disturbance at Leeds United following a last minute winning goal. He further complained that his subsequent appeal against the ban had not been given due consideration.
Entry Problems for Leeds Fans at Stamford Bridge
Six individual Leeds United supporters complained, through the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), about safety issues surrounding entry to Stamford Bridge at the Club’s away fixture on 11 December 2021.