Lutterworth Athletic FC is under statutory investigation by the Charity Commission following concerns about repeated filing failures and financial controls. The inquiry focuses on trustee compliance, governance, and potential unauthorised private benefit linked to the Leicestershire-based football charity.
Lutterworth Athletic FC statutory inquiry opens
The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Lutterworth Athletic FC, a registered charity based in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. The regulator said concerns escalated after persistent non-compliance with statutory filing duties and further issues identified through bank analysis.
According to a press release, the inquiry was formally opened on 7 January 2026 under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011. The Commission said the action does not indicate a finding of wrongdoing, and no conclusions have been reached at this stage.
Regulatory oversight aims to protect charitable assets, beneficiaries, and public trust across the sector. While statutory inquiries allow the Commission to investigate governance risks and, where necessary, apply protective powers.
The case highlights the consequences of prolonged reporting failures, an issue affecting several UK charities. The Commission has previously warned trustees about the importance of timely annual returns, as explained in a Charity Journal report on UK government guidance for charity filings.
Similar compliance pressures were reported when a UK-based mental health charity closed after 30 years due to prolonged reporting and funding challenges.
Details of the investigation
Lutterworth Athletic FC was registered as a charity in 2017 to promote community participation in healthy recreation. Its activities primarily support local community football in Lutterworth and the surrounding areas.Â
The Commission said concerns first arose after the charity repeatedly failed to meet filing deadlines. In 2024, the charity entered the regulator’s double defaulter class inquiry after missing accounts for 2022 and 2023.
Although the charity submitted those accounts during the class inquiry, it later defaulted again. Its accounts for 2024 remain significantly overdue, according to the regulator.
Following a review of bank information, the Commission escalated its engagement. It launched a standalone statutory inquiry to examine additional regulatory concerns.
The inquiry will assess whether trustees have complied with legal duties relating to administration and governance. Investigators will also examine financial controls, financial management, and adherence to the charity’s governing document.
Another area of scrutiny involves potential unauthorised private benefit. The Commission will assess whether conflicts of interest involving trustees or connected parties were properly managed.
The regulator said the scope of the inquiry may expand if further issues emerge. After completion, the Commission usually publishes a report outlining findings and any regulatory action taken.Â
