ReRegulate sits at the vital intersection of football governance, regulatory evolution, and technological advancement. We provide insights into the shifting landscapes of player transfers and competition regulations, while exploring how the modern game navigates the complexities of IT compliance (from cybersecurity and data protection to digital infrastructure). Our aim is to demystify the complex regulatory and technological frameworks that underpin modern football, providing the clarity needed to understand how governance, law, and digital infrastructure are evolving to meet the demands of the sport. Through analysis of publicly available data, we offer a transparent look at the frameworks shaping football’s future, ensuring the conversation remains insightful, objective, and forward-thinking.

Sports governance studies tend to focus predominantly on sports management, often emphasising aspects such as organisational efficiency, marketing strategies, and player performance metrics. However, these studies are widely seen to overlook the key role of regulation and law in sports governance, which are critical components that shape the entire landscape of sports operations. This study assesses the fundamental role of national law and regulation in football governance, examining various dimensions, including the intricate web of legal frameworks that govern player transfers and club ownership. Additionally, it examines the significant impact of changes in supranational agreements, such as the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and the ramifications of Brexit on cross-border transfer regulations and labour mobility for players. Furthermore, this research explores the varying governance practices involved in the football transfer system within the UK and the EU, shedding light on how different jurisdictions implement FIFA transfer regulations. Highlighting these elements, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of international, national, and private regulations in shaping modern football governance.

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