Hey football fans! Did you know about the Independent Football Ombudsman (IFO) and how they can assist you? Well, not enough of you do, according to us. The IFO was created back in 2008 to handle complaints that haven’t been resolved by football clubs or the football authorities like the FA, Premier League, and the EFL.
Over the past 18 months, the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has been building a stronger relationship with the IFO. We’ve been really impressed with the work they do in finding solutions. In fact, we even had a chat with Kevin Grix, the chief ombudsman, to learn more about what the IFO does.
The best part? The IFO service is completely free! It’s a massive benefit for supporters, and we always encourage you to reach out to them when you need help. They genuinely listen to your complaints and take them seriously.
Guess what? The IFO’s annual report for 2022-23 is now available for download. Let’s dive in!
Kevin Grix, the chief ombudsman, starts off the report with an introduction. He mentions that since he took on the role in January 2022, the IFO has been busier than ever. More supporters have been reaching out, and the number of cases has increased compared to previous seasons.
Now, you might think that this rise in cases means that standards are declining. But that’s not the case at all. As the IFO’s profile and awareness grow, it’s only natural that more people will seek their help. We’re grateful to the football authorities, clubs, Level Playing Field, and the FSA for promoting the IFO to fans and providing support.
Actually, an increase in case volumes can be a good thing. It helps identify trends that need attention and gives clubs more opportunities to learn from their mistakes and improve. And here’s the best part: when we’ve ruled in favor of supporters and upheld their cases, the majority of clubs have accepted our decisions gracefully. They’ve taken the necessary steps to implement our recommendations and make things right.
Despite these positive developments, we’re aware that we must maintain the high standards we’ve set for ourselves. Our stakeholders have come to expect nothing less, and we’re up for the challenge. So, grab a cuppa and enjoy reading our report!
Kevin Grix – Chief Ombudsman
P.S. Don’t forget to download the IFO’s annual report for 2022-23. And hey, if you’re a fan, join the FSA for free today!