Alex Kelham

This Practice Note concerns image rights. It focuses on the commercial protection, exploitation and taxation of image rights in the UK. It contains guidance on intellectual property right protection, including trade marks, copyright, performers’ rights and passing off. It also considers the protection afforded by advertising standards codes and sets out potential causes of action based on privacy and confidential information, data protection, defamation and malicious falsehood. There is also guidance on the structures available for exploiting image rights, including sponsorship, endorsement, ambassador, influencer and merchandising deals, and the considerations that need to be taken into account when considering taxation of image rights.

This Practice Note introduces the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) for practitioners who are new to the regime created by the Football Governance Act 2025 (FGA 2025).It covers:•the origins of the IFR including why it was established•its statutory basis•its objectives and regulatory priorities•its regulatory powers•matters outside its remit, and•the composition of its BoardThis Practice Note does not set out the licensing conditions, financial plan requirements or the suitability test in full detail.Origins and reasons for establishmentThe fan-led reviewThe IFR grew out of the fan-led review of football governance, which was chaired by Tracey Crouch, a sports minister between June 2017 and November 2018.The review highlighted the important role football clubs play in British life, particularly in supporting and uniting local communities. It also found that, despite the significant funds flowing through the game, many clubs are in a precarious financial position.The