League One: the SCMP wage ratio fell to 50%
Official league rule — modeled in ZeladorLeague One clubs operate under the Salary Cost Management Protocol: wages capped as a share of relevant turnover, monitored during the season, with registration embargoes as the enforcement tool. On 15 May 2026 clubs voted to tighten it for 2026/27 — the ratio fell from 60% to 50%, manager costs entered the calculation for the first time, clubs relegated from the Championship get 65% in their first season down instead of 75%, and owner equity injections now count at only half their value. In August 2026 the PFA began High Court action arguing the changes required agreement through the PFNCC. The 50% is in force and contested at the same time.
| Check | Limit | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wage ratio (SCMP) | — | Shown against the full squad cost (wages, amortisation and agent fees). SCMP measures wages against relevant turnover — enter your wage bill separately for the exact test. |
| Sanction: registration embargo | — | SCMP is monitored during the season, not only at year-end. Going over the ratio stops the club registering players until it is back inside the line. |
| 2026/27 changes (contested) | — | From 2026/27 the ratio fell from 60% to 50%, manager costs entered the calculation, clubs relegated from the Championship get 65% in their first season down (was 75%), and owner equity injections count at 50% of their value. The PFA began High Court action in August 2026 arguing the changes needed PFNCC agreement, having overturned comparable EFL salary caps at arbitration in 2021. In force and contested. |
| Financial resilience (IFR) | — | The IFR licenses on an assessed financial plan, not a numeric spending limit — a deficit here flags resilience questions the plan must answer; it is not a breach. |
| IFR provisional licence | — | Every club in the top five tiers of English football must hold a provisional IFR licence ahead of 2027/28. Final licensing rules were published on 1 July 2026. |
| Licence application documents | — | Applying requires a financial plan, a strategic business plan, a personnel statement and a corporate governance statement. A provisional licence runs up to three years while the club works toward a full licence. |
Timeline
SCMP in force · 50% of relevant turnover from 2026/27, down from 60% · manager costs included · monitored in-season, registration embargo on breach · under PFA legal challenge since August 2026 · IFR provisional licence required ahead of 2027/28.
No-signup demo. Load the club’s figures and the panel runs these checks instantly.
Try the demo View pricingFrequently asked questions
What is the SCMP limit in League One?
50% of relevant turnover from the 2026/27 season, down from 60%, monitored in-season rather than only at year-end. Manager costs are now inside the calculation.
What happens to owner investment?
Owner equity injections count at 50% of their value. Putting £500,000 in adds £250,000 of wage room, not £500,000.
Is the 50% settled?
No. It is in force for 2026/27, but the PFA began High Court action in August 2026 arguing the changes needed PFNCC agreement. The union overturned comparable EFL salary caps at arbitration in 2021, so the outcome is genuinely open. A club planning a squad needs an answer at both 60% and 50%.
What happens on a breach?
Registration embargoes: the club is blocked from registering new players until the ratio is corrected.
How does Zelador Football help?
It tracks the wage ratio live against the 50% line, and the signing simulator shows how much wage room is left before the cap — so you can hold a plan for either ratio while the challenge runs.
Does the new football regulator affect League One?
Yes. From 2027/28 every club in the top five tiers needs a provisional Independent Football Regulator licence, applied for with a financial plan, on top of the SCMP wage ratio. Final IFR rules were published on 1 July 2026.