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JD Sports Fashion

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FY2022 Annual Report · JD Sports Fashion
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40  YEARS 
OF
STYLE

JD Sports Fashion Plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2022

OUR PURPOSE

The Group’s purpose is to be a leading 
international multichannel retailer of 
sports, fashion and outdoor brands with 
core values of connecting with consumers 
through continual investment in our 
store portfolio, nurturing our global branded 
supplier relationships and improving our 
sustainability and financial performance. 

OUR CULTURE AND VALUES 

13 acquisitions completed 
during the financial year 
including DTLR in the US

Entrepreneurial – The Group has a strong track record 
of revenue growth, profit optimisation and international 
expansion. We maintain ultimate flexibility in our business 
model which enables us to capitalise on the fast pace of 
consumer trends.

Competitive – Our brand ethos is all about innovation, 
creativity and competitiveness. We respect each member 
of our team and everyone is encouraged to put forward their 
ideas, regardless of how big or small, as dynamic thinking is 
what drives the business to be competitive.

Committed – The Group is committed to protecting the 
long-term interests of its shareholders, whilst balancing 
and promoting the interests of its other key stakeholders, 
including its colleagues and suppliers.

Team-oriented – Our people are integral to our success 
and are the heartbeat of our business. They deliver on a daily 
basis to enable the Group to meet and exceed expectations. 
Problems are solved and opportunities seized by people 
working together from all levels of the organisation.

Ethical – We believe in extending our entrepreneurial and 
competitive spirit beyond financial performance to making the 
world around us a better place. We always strive to do the right 
thing for our colleagues, our customers and our communities.

OUR STRATEGY

The Group’s strategy is to continuously set the global standard 
for retail experience through best-in-class operations, connected 
consumer experiences and the unique delivery of the world’s most 
authentic brands to the market. We seek to inspire the emerging 
generation of globally minded consumers through a connection 
to the universal culture of sport, music and fashion.

Further details of the Group’s short and long-term strategy are 
set out on pages 14 and 15.

Strategic Report
Statement from the Board 
Interim Non-Executive Chair’s Statement 
Our Investment Proposition 
Our Business Model and Strategy 
Strategy in Action 
Principal Risks 
Business & Financial Review 
Alternative Performance Measures 
Property and Stores Review 
Environmental – Overview and Governance 
Environmental – TCFD  
Environmental – Climate Change 
Environmental – Sector Emissions Data 
Environmental – Sustainability  
Social – Ethical Sourcing  
Social – Our People 
Social – Health & Safety 
Social – The JD Foundation 
Social – Global Empowerment 
Governance – Section 172 Statement 
Governance – Stakeholder Engagement 

Governance
Board of Directors 
Directors’ Report 
Corporate Governance Report 
Nominations Committee Report 
Audit & Risk Committee Report 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 

4
7
12
14 
16
26 
34 
42
44
53 
55
60
64
67
71
76 
80
82
84
86
87

92
94
99
106
108
114

Financial Statements
131
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
132
Independent Auditor’s Report 
Consolidated Income Statement 
142
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  142 
143
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
144
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
145
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
146
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
219
Company Balance Sheet 
220
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 
221
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

Group Information
Financial Calendar 
Shareholder Information 
Five Year Record  

235
235
236

HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue £m

£8,563.0m Total dividend payable  

per ordinary share** p 

8,563.0

0.33

0.34

0.29

0.35p

0.35

6,110.8

6,167.3

4,717.8

3,161.4

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2018

2019

0.06

2020

2021

2022

Profit before tax and 
exceptional items £m

£947.2m Profit before tax £m

947.2

£654.7m

654.7

307.3

2018

355.2

438.8

421.3

294.5

339.9

348.5

324.0

2019

2020

2021

2022

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Basic earnings  
per ordinary share** p 

7.17p Adjusted earnings  

per ordinary share*/** p 

5.38

4.77

5.06

4.61

7.17

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

5.03

2018

5.69

6.85

6.44

2019

2020

2021

2022

Net assets £m

£2,339.7m Net cash* £m

2,339.7

12.84p

12.84

£1,185.9m

1,185.9

795.4

1,289.2

1,496.4

1,076.8

834.3

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

309.7
2018

125.2
2019

2020

2021

2022

429.9

Average number 
of employees

Board gender diversity 
(% of female Board members)

67,831

67,831

43%

43%

48,852

53,477

54,385

30,292

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

29%

29%

17%

2018

17%

2019

2020

2021

2022

* 

 Throughout the Annual Report ‘*’ indicates the first instance of a term defined and explained in the Alternative Performance Measures 
section on page 42 along with a reconciliation to statutory measures. Further detail setting out the background to the Alternative 
Performance Measures is given in Note 1 to the financial statements.

**   Basic and adjusted earnings per ordinary share and dividends per ordinary share have been adjusted to reflect the share sub-division  

effective 30 November 2021, as if the event had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

1

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20223,402*

stores

67,831*

average number 
of employees

THE GROUP

Building our position 
as the showcase 
of choice for the 
global sports fashion 
industry, providing 
unrivalled access to 
the finest brands.

*  As at 29 January 2022.

CANADA

UK

THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

THE NETHERLANDS

FRANCE

BELGIUM

SPAIN AND THE CANARY ISLANDS

PORTUGAL

US

THE CZECH REPUBLIC

SWEDEN

FINLAND

DENMARK

ESTONIA

LATVIA

LITHUANIA

POLAND

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

ROMANIA

BULGARIA

GERMANY

ITALY

GREECE

CYPRUS

Geographical revenue %

Group revenue by channel %

Stores number split %

Rest of the World

North 
America

3.8%

41.8%

Other

UK & ROI

Multichannel

3.2%

66.2%

Outdoor

Retail
Stores

7.3%

92.7%

Sports
Fashion

30.5%

30.6%

23.9%

Europe

2

SOUTH KOREA

THAILAND

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202232*

territories across  
the globe

SWEDEN

FINLAND

DENMARK

ESTONIA

LATVIA

LITHUANIA

POLAND

THE CZECH REPUBLIC

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

ROMANIA

BULGARIA

GERMANY

ITALY

GREECE

CYPRUS

OUR REVENUE CHANNELS

Sports Fashion brands

Stores

In-store devices

Apps

Online

Wholesale

SOUTH KOREA

THAILAND

MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

Outdoor brands

3

THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

THE NETHERLANDS

SPAIN AND THE CANARY ISLANDS

CANADA

UK

FRANCE

BELGIUM

PORTUGAL

US

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S T A T E M E N T   F R O M   T H E   B O A R D

Governance
Balancing the operational requirements of 
running and growing a business through a 
global pandemic with the obligations of 
elevating governance standards has been 
complex and not without challenge. 

A number of regulatory issues have arisen 
through this time which have highlighted the 
need for both greater relevant experience on 
the Board and more formalisation in governance 
systems, risk management recording, the 
documentation and appraisal of internal controls 
and the mechanisms for reporting relevant matters 
to the regulatory authorities where appropriate. 

As a result, since the year end the Board has 
engaged external advisors to carry out a number 
of independent investigations into certain matters 
including these regulatory issues. Alongside these 
investigations, as announced in February 2022, 
the Group has also been undertaking a review of 
its Governance procedures and policies in light 
of the process to divide the previous joint role of 
the Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer. 
This process extended into a full review of the 
Group’s Corporate Governance operating model 
and assessment of its current compliance with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code.

The Board has now completed the investigations 
and the governance review and have ratified a 
plan to rebase the governance, risk and control 
environment. This will target compliance with 
our various regulatory requirements whilst 
also delivering a more formalised approach to 
governance, risk management recording and 
the documentation and appraisal of internal 
controls. These actions are focused in four 
principal workstreams:

 – CMA regulatory compliance.
 – FCA regulatory compliance re: limited permission 
credit broking licence in certain UK businesses.
 – Compliance with the UK corporate governance code.
 – Risk management and internal control framework.

Each workstream consists of a three-month 
intensive programme of works to address priority 
issues complemented by the development of 
longer term initiatives. It is anticipated that it 
will take 18 months to deliver and embed these 
workstreams in full to ensure that we balance 
rigour in relation to governance and control with 
maintaining the agility that has been key to our 
success to date.

Search For a New Group Chief Executive Officer 
and Non-Executive Chair
At its 2021 AGM on 1 July 2021, the Group 
announced, with the support of Peter Cowgill, 
that it intended to divide the role of Executive 
Chair and Group Chief Executive Officer before 
the 2022 Annual General Meeting. At that time, 
it was intended that this would be achieved 
through the appointment of a new Group Chief 
Executive Officer with Peter Cowgill then moving 
into the role of Chair with a progressive handover 
of executive management responsibilities. In due 
course, Peter Cowgill would then have been 
replaced by a Non-Executive Chair.

Working with Spencer Stuart the Group commenced 
a global search for a new Group Chief Executive 
Officer. A number of excellent candidates were 
attracted to this role but a recurring theme was 
a wish for a much shorter handover period. This  
search process also coincided with the governance 
and assurance workstreams referred to above and 
it is the Board’s view that the new Chief Executive 
Officer should have the opportunity to shape 
that process. Accordingly, the Board decided to 
accelerate the separation of the roles of Chair 
and Chief Executive Officer and Peter Cowgill left 
the Group on 25 May 2022. Subsequently, Helen 
Ashton accepted the role of Interim Non-Executive 
Chair with Kath Smith, Senior Independent Director, 
appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

* 

 Throughout the Annual Report ‘*’ indicates the first instance of a term defined and explained in the Alternative Performance Measures 
section on page 42.

4

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022The Board wish to thank Peter Cowgill for his 
unwavering commitment, vision and inspirational 
leadership since he re-joined the Group in 2004. 
JD is a globally recognised iconic multichannel 
retailer with a proven strategy, clear momentum 
and a talented and resilient senior management 
team who, through his guidance, are recognised 
within the sports fashion industry as some of the 
leading figures in their fields. The Board and Senior 
Management team are united in their determination 
to build on the historical successes with the same 
laser focus on the consumer, commercial rigour, 
attention to service excellence and analytical 
intensity. We will continue to seek to inspire the 
emerging generation of aspirationally minded 
consumers through a connection to the universal 
culture of sport, music and fashion with the highest 
standards of consumer experience and execution, 
both in stores and online. Building on our trusted 
brand relationships, we will also continue to deliver 
a product and brand mix which is emotionally 
engaging, exclusive and continually evolving.

The process to recruit a Chief Executive Officer is 
ongoing with a number of high calibre candidates 
at different stages of consideration including some 
who have only recently made their interest in the 
role known. A process to recruit a new Non-Executive 
Chair is also progressing at pace. Meanwhile, the 
Board is happy with how the interim arrangements 
are operating and will update the market on the 
progress of these search processes as appropriate.

Board Composition
Prior to these recent developments, the Board had 
made significant progress in its process to recruit 
new Non-Executive Directors who can positively 
contribute to the continued global development 
and momentum of the Group. Helen Ashton initially 
joined the Board on 15 November 2021 as Non-
Executive Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk 
Committee. We were also delighted to welcome 
during the year Bert Hoyt, who was formerly Head 
of Europe for Nike; Mahbobeh Sabetnia, who has 
been at the forefront of e-business expansions, 
leading data-driven consumer insights to unlock 
value and framing new business propositions in a 
number of global organisations; and Andy Long, 
who is an Executive Director at Pentland Group 
Ltd and was formerly Chief Executive Officer at 
Pentland Brands Ltd. 

5

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD CONTINUED

More recently, Suzi Williams joined the Board on 
16 May 2022. Suzi brings a significant amount of 
consumer marketing and management experience 
to the Group and, in due course, it is intended 
that she will take up the role of Remuneration 
Committee Chair.

Prior to her appointment as Interim Chief Executive 
Officer, Kath Smith was confirmed as the Senior 
Independent Director and Chair of the Nominations 
Committee and, whilst it is acknowledged that she 
cannot currently act as Senior Independent Director, 
it is the Board’s intention that she will revert back to 
her former role upon the appointment of a permanent 
Chief Executive Officer. Based on the current 
progress in this search, the Board expects that Kath 
Smith will resume her role as Senior Independent 
Director before the end of the financial year. This  
means that the Group would be compliant with 
this aspect of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
from the start of the next financial year. The Board 
also considered whether she should continue as 
Chair of the Nominations Committee but, to ensure 
compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, has concluded that this position should be 
held by the Interim Chair. 

Further, the Board has determined that, given both 
the temporary nature of her position as Interim 
Chair and the importance that it places on delivering 
the plan to rebase the governance, risk and control 
environment, Helen Ashton should also retain her 
position as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. 

Notwithstanding certain areas of non-compliance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code during 
the year, the Group is pleased to advise that it 
is fully compliant with the initiatives on Board 
diversity proposed by the Hampton-Alexander 
Review and the Parker Review.

Government Support
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our priorities 
have been to ensure the health and wellbeing of 
our colleagues and customers, protect jobs, 
preserve financial resources and limit the impact 
on profitability. It is important to remember that 
the stores were closed for a number of months 
at the start of the year in some of our most 
significant markets across Europe and whilst 
stores progressively reopened through the 
Spring, there was no certainty as to whether they 
would stay open through the rest of the year and, 
even if they did, whether footfall would be at a 
level that would make the stores financially viable. 
Accordingly, the Group accepted government 
support where it was offered, including that 
connected with property occupation, using it only 
for the purposes intended. In particular, payments 
from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in the 
UK helped provide the thousands of people that 
we employed with short-term financial support 
and reassurance regarding the sustainability of 
their long-term employment prospects.

We are cognisant that the retention of sales in 
the period when the stores were closed across 
Europe in the early months of the year, combined 
with the positive trading in the immediate period 
after reopening, did help to offset the negative 
financial impacts associated with the period of 
temporary closures. Further, whilst there were 
some subsequent periods of store closures, 
particularly in Asia, later in the year, our most 
significant markets all remained open through 
the peak trading period and have traded positively.

Therefore, in line with our previous statements on 
this matter and having considered all the relevant 
facts, the Board decided that it would repay all of 
the support that its businesses received from the 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in the UK 
during the year. This repayment, which totalled 
£24.4 million, has already been made.

6

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022I N T E R I M   N O N - E X E C U T I V E   C H A I R ’ S   S T A T E M E N T

DELIVERING EXCELLENT
RESULTS

 This result demonstrates our 
capacity for growth in both 
existing and new markets, 
and the strength of our global 
proposition and consumer 
engagement in-store and online”

HELEN ASHTON 
INTERIM NON-EXECUTIVE 
CHAIR 

22 June 2022

7

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022INTERIM NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIR’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

Group revenue  

£8,563.0m

Group profit 
before tax 

£654.7m

Basic earnings 
per ordinary share  

7.17p

We are also particularly encouraged by the strong 
performance from the Group’s banners in the 
North America which have delivered a combined 
profit before tax and exceptional items of 
£343.0 million (2021: £171.9 million; 2020: £94.2 million). 
This includes a full year contribution of £57.3 million 
from Shoe Palace (2021: £13.9 million for Shoe 
Palace in the six week period after acquisition) 
and a part-year contribution of £50.6 million from 
DTLR in respect of the period since the acquisition 
was completed. This result was heavily influenced 
by the fiscal stimulus which was made available by 
the Federal Government in the United States in the 
first half of the year with revenues between mid-March 
and mid-July more than 40% ahead of pre-COVID 
levels. Encouragingly, our businesses in the United 
States also traded positively in the second half of 
the year when there was no stimulus support, as 
compared to pre-COVID levels.

It is increasingly evident that the Group’s progress 
in North America, and the United States in particular, 
is having a long-term positive impact both on the 
Group’s overall performance and its relationships 
with the international brands. We continue to be 
encouraged by the progress that JD is making in 
the United States with 87 stores trading as JD at 
the end of the year and it is our intention to further 
expand the JD fascia in this financial year through 
both new stores and the conversion of existing 
Finish Line stores. We also opened the first Group 
fascia stores in Canada in the year with a first JD 
store in both Toronto and Vancouver and a Size? 
store, also in Toronto.

Whilst there is a global shortfall in the supply 
of certain key footwear styles at this time, the 
Group continues to have excellent availability 
both in stores and online with the Group 
benefitting both from its status as a premier 
global strategic partner and the overall width 
of its category offer. We would also expect 
that the supply from the impacted brands 
will improve progressively through the 
remainder of the year.

b u s i n e s s 
d e v e l o p m e n t s
Introduction
This was another period of outstanding progress 
with the Group delivering a record headline profit 
before tax and exceptional items of £947.2 million 
(2021: £421.3 million), more than double the 
previous record of £438.8 million set in the period 
to 1 February 2020, which was the last completed 
financial year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
It includes £125.6 million of profit from the 
combination of acquisitions in the year and the 
annualisation period of businesses bought in the 
52 weeks to 30 January 2021. The profit before tax 
for the period was £654.7 million (2021: £324.0 million). 
This result was achieved in the face of a series of 
unprecedented challenges including sustained 
periods of temporary store closures in many 
markets, constraints in the supply of certain 
products due to factory closures within the 
global supply chains of the international brands, 
widespread turbulence in international logistics 
and the ongoing administrative and cost 
consequences resulting from the loss of tariff-
free, frictionless trade with the European Union. 

This result demonstrates our capacity for growth 
in both existing and new markets, and the strength 
of our global proposition and consumer engagement 
in-store and online. We are, as always, indebted to 
our talented and committed colleagues across our 
Group and send our thanks for the amazing work 
they do every day. This is crucial in our increasingly 
global development and I would like to thank 
everyone in our businesses for their significant 
contribution and dedication.

Whilst the Group does not have any facilities or 
employees in either Russia or Ukraine, we are 
aware that many of our colleagues have relatives 
and friends in these countries. The Group is deeply 
concerned by the continuing conflict in Ukraine 
and has ceased all trading in Russia across both 
its brand websites and wholesale channels. 

We are very reassured by the positive performance 
of the Group’s sports fashion retail fascias in 
the UK and Republic of Ireland which delivered a 
combined record profit before tax and exceptional 
items of £471.2 million (2021: £262.7 million; 
2020: £288.5 million). Given that the stores were 
again closed for a number of weeks in the year, 
this performance reflects very positively both 
the enhanced agility of the Group’s operational 
infrastructure in these countries and the depth 
of the connection and trust that JD has built with 
its consumers who are clearly very comfortable 
engaging with JD through both physical and 
digital channels. 

8

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Number of 
acquisitions 
in the year

13

Consideration paid 
for acquisitions, net 
of cash acquired

£616.5m

Marketing Investment Group S.A. (‘MIG’)
The acquisition of MIG completed on 30 April 2021 
with a 60% holding acquired for total consideration 
of 348.9 million Polish Zloty (‘PLN’) of which 
12.7 million PLN has been deferred subject to 
customary closing conditions and is expected to be 
paid in 2022. At completion, MIG, which is based in 
Krakow, Poland, had 410 stores trading principally 
as either Sizeer, which is a premium multi-branded 
fascia not too dissimilar to JD, or 50 Style, which is 
a multi-branded volume retail concept with lower 
price points. Whilst the majority of these stores are 
located in Poland, the Company has also expanded 
its reach beyond Poland in recent years with a 
presence, at completion, in a total of nine countries 
across Central and Eastern Europe. 

More recently, the MIG team has acquired the 
trade and assets of a further 22 stores which 
traded as The Athlete’s Foot across Slovenia, 
Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina which 
are all new territories for the MIG business. These 
stores are currently being converted to Sizeer.

The MIG team has also been instrumental in the 
opening of the first JD stores in Eastern Europe 
with stores at Poznan, Poland, and Constanta, 
Romania. Since the period end, the Group has 
opened four further JD stores in Poland, one 
additional store in Romania and a first store 
in Hungary, at the Árkád Shopping Centre in 
Budapest. We would anticipate further openings 
for the JD fascia across Eastern Europe in the 
new financial year although events in Ukraine 
do drive some caution.

Deporvillage S.L. (‘Deporvillage’)
On 3 August 2021, Iberian Sports Retail Group SL 
(‘ISRG’), the Group’s existing intermediate holding 
company in Spain, completed the acquisition of 
an initial 80% holding in Deporvillage which is 
based in Manresa, Catalonia. Consideration of 
€100.0 million was paid at completion with further 
consideration up to a maximum of €40.4 million 
deferred, to be paid contingent on achieving 
certain performance criteria.

ISRG is a leading operator in the sporting goods 
market across Iberia through its Sprinter and Sport 
Zone fascias with the acquisition of Deporvillage 
providing additional expertise in both the development 
of an international digital infrastructure and insights of 
the key performance-related categories of cycling, 
running and outdoor. 

9

s i g n i f i c a n t   m & a 
t r a n s a c t i o n s
The Group has completed a number of acquisitions 
and other investments in the period, which look 
to either expand the geographical reach of its 
premium sports fashion operations or widen the 
category offer to include other products which 
are relevant to a style-conscious consumer.

DTLR Villa LLC (‘DTLR’)
The acquisition of 100% of DTLR completed 
on 17 March 2021 for cash consideration of 
$423.6 million with third party indebtedness 
of $86.5 million also refinanced at this time. 
At completion, DTLR, which is based in Baltimore, 
Maryland, had 247 stores selling athletic footwear 
and apparel streetwear across 19 states, principally 
in neighbourhood urban areas across the North 
and East of the United States. Subsequent to 
completion, DTLR was transferred to the same 
sub-group as Finish Line, JD US and Shoe Palace.

Five new stores have opened subsequently 
although these have been offset by the closure 
of eight smaller under-performing stores. We  
would anticipate further evolution of the property 
portfolio in the forthcoming year with DTLR having 
the support of the international brands to expand 
its network of stores in its markets.

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022INTERIM NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIR’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

Wheelbase Lakeland Limited (‘Wheelbase’) and 
XLR8 Limited t/a Leisure Lakes (‘Leisure Lakes’)
The Group has enhanced its presence in the UK 
premium cycling market in the year through the 
acquisitions of Wheelbase and Leisure Lakes.

On 30 September 2021, the Group acquired 
77.5% of Wheelbase for £22.2 million. Based near 
Kendal, Cumbria, on acquisition Wheelbase had 
three stores in cycling hotspots, including the 
renowned store at Staveley which, at 16,000 sqft, 
is one of the largest cycle stores in the UK. Wheelbase  
is firmly established as one of the premier cycling 
retailers in the UK selling key brands such as Cube, 
Cannondale, Trek and Specialized. Working with 
the Wheelbase team, the Group will open specialist 
cycling concessions in selected Go Outdoors 
stores with the first two concessions, in Coventry 
and Stockton, now open.

On 19 November 2021, the Group also acquired 
100% of Leisure Lakes for initial cash consideration 
of £25.6 million with additional consideration up 
to a maximum of £15.0 million payable if certain 
performance criteria are achieved. Based near 
Preston, Leisure Lakes had ten stores in urban 
locations at completion and, like Wheelbase, is also 
considered to be one of the leading omnichannel 
retailers of bicycles and associated accessories in 
the UK and is a key partner for most of the major 
cycling brands.

Cosmos Sport S.A. (‘Cosmos’)
On 21 October 2021, the Group acquired 80% 
of Cosmos for cash consideration of €73.0 million. 
Based in Crete, Cosmos had 58 stores in Greece 
at acquisition with a further three stores in Cyprus. 
Cosmos mainly trades under two fascias, being 
Cosmos Sport and Sneaker 10. Cosmos Sport is the 
core fascia trading through an elevated sporting 
goods and lifestyle proposition with Sneaker 10 
focusing on trainers and premium releases and 
is more similar to the Group’s Size? fascia.

Two new stores, one in Greece and one in Cyprus, 
have opened since completion although these 
have been offset by the closure of two of the 
adidas monobrand stores. We would anticipate 
further evolution of the property portfolio in the 
forthcoming year with Cosmos having the support 
of the international brands to expand its network 
of stores in its markets. Further, this acquisition 
also provides the Group with an infrastructure and 
management team for the development of JD in 
Greece and Cyprus, with the first store in Greece 
currently expected to open in the second half of 
this year.

GymNation Limited (‘GymNation’)
On 24 December 2021, the Group’s existing 
subsidiary JD Sports Gyms Limited (‘JD Gyms’) 
acquired 100% of GymNation Limited and 
its 100% owned subsidiary GymNation LLC 
(together ‘GymNation’) for cash consideration 
of $42.2 million and contingent consideration 
of $6.1 million. Contingent consideration is  
cash-settled and is linked to GymNation’s future 
performance. It is initially measured at fair value 
and is subsequently remeasured to fair value 
at each reporting date until the contingency is 
settled. The fair value of contingent consideration 
recognised at 29 January 2022 is $6.6 million. 
The maximum amount of the future payment 
is £75 million. GymNation had seven gyms at 
acquisition with five in Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi 
and one in Ras Al Khaimah. The GymNation 
approach is very similar to JD Gyms with a focus 
on providing well-equipped gyms to a style-
conscious participant with extensive use of social 
media in a digitally-led marketing approach and 
memberships that are both affordable and flexible.

u p d a t e   o n 
f o o t a s y l u m 
l i m i t e d 
( ‘ f o o t a s y l u m ’ )
The Competition and Markets Authority 
(‘CMA’) announced in its Provisional Report on 
2 September 2021 that it was again minded to 
prohibit the Group’s acquisition of Footasylum. 
This decision was confirmed in the CMA’s Final 
Report dated 5 November 2021.

We were very disappointed by this decision 
as we firmly believed that we had provided 
overwhelming evidence to the CMA in its  
re-examination of the transaction of how the 
COVID-19 pandemic has materially changed the 
market for the retailing of international sports 
brands. In particular, the Group demonstrated 
very clearly to the CMA how, by causing a 
structural shift in favour of online shopping, 
COVID-19 has empowered and accelerated the 
Direct to Consumer strategies of the international 
brands. The evidence of this is clear in the recent 
public statements of not just the brands but 
also some of their longest standing wholesale 
customers. We continue to believe that JD, with 
its recognised status as a premier global strategic 
partner, would have positively influenced Footasylum’s 
brand relationships and its access to product over 
the longer term.

The Group has agreed Final Undertakings 
with the CMA which require the divestment of 
Footasylum to an ‘Approved Purchaser’. This  
divestment process is ongoing with a number 
of parties expressing interest in the business.

10

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022p e o p l e
We are, of course, indebted to all of our teams in 
our different territories for their resolute attitude 
in dealing with the challenges posed by COVID-19 
during the year. Whilst the Group’s stores are 
now trading without restrictions, we are conscious 
that there is still a high prevalence of the virus in 
many countries and that new variants could emerge 
in the future and result in new challenges. However, 
the Board reaffirms that the safety and wellbeing of 
our colleagues and our consumers has been and 
will always be our number one priority.

The Board is particularly aware of the need to 
support our colleagues mental health needs with 
wellbeing integrated into our culture. We have 
launched our Wellbeing Network which provides 
colleagues with a host of resources, including 
access to health care professionals and specialist 
support and we intend to enhance the size and 
scope of this programme with additional resources 
including podcasts and interactive group sessions.

k i c k s t a r t
The Group is working closely with the UK 
Government and The Prince’s Trust as a national 
partner on its Kickstart scheme which aims to 
provide employment opportunities for young 
people who were previously on Universal Credit 
and who faced significant barriers to employment 
as a result of the pandemic. Over 1,000 people 
have progressed through the programme to date 
with 90% of those young people subsequently 
offered permanent roles within the Group. 
The Group were pleased to welcome His Royal 
Highness The Prince of Wales and the Chancellor 
of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, to 
our store on Walworth Road in South London on 
11 May 2022 where they met with a number of 
Kickstart recruits to get an appreciation of their 
experience of the Kickstart scheme. The Group 
recognises the prevalence of social inequality in 
the UK and feels passionately about reducing 
barriers to entry to employment for young people 
who are socially and economically disadvantaged. 
JD is proud of its participation in the Kickstart 
scheme which was delivered in partnership with 
The Prince’s Trust.

e s g
As a FTSE 100 company, we recognise and 
embrace that our scale enables us to make 
positive, lasting changes. Our Environmental, 
Social and Governance Committee (founded in 
2020) governs our global, Group-wide approach 
to sustainability, including such critical topics as 
our people strategy, climate change, sustainable 
sourcing and governance.

For further details about the responsibilities of the 
Environmental, Social and Governance Committee 
and the Group’s achievements in the year, please 
see page 53.

c u r r e n t   t r a d i n g 
a n d   o u t l o o k
The Group is reassured with the trading to date with 
total sales in the Group’s like-for-like businesses 
after four months 5% ahead of the same period in 
the prior year. This performance is a further positive 
reflection of both the strength and breadth of the 
Group’s brand relationships and category offer. 
It has also been achieved against a backdrop of 
a global shortfall in the supply of certain key 
footwear styles with this supply expected to 
improve progressively through the remainder 
of the year.

Whilst we are encouraged by the resilient nature of 
the consumer demand in the current year to date, 
we remain conscious of the headwinds that prevail 
at this time including the general global macro-
economic and geopolitical situation. Against this 
backdrop, the Board believes that the headline 
profit before tax and exceptional items for the year 
end 28 January 2023 will be in line with the record 
performance for the year ended 29 January 2022.

Our next scheduled update will take place upon 
the announcement of our Interim Results. We will 
confirm a date for these results in due course.

Helen Ashton
Interim Non-Executive Chair 

22 June 2022

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
O U R   I N V E S T M E N T   P R O P O S I T I O N

REASONS TO INVEST
1

UNRIVALLED 
BRAND ACCESS

JD is a premier global strategic 
partner to the international brands, 
uniquely delivering the world’s 
most iconic and emerging 
products to the market.

OMNICHANNEL 
APPROACH

JD is the leading omnichannel retailer 
of sports fashion and outdoor brands, 
demonstrating strong retail execution 
across all platforms with a flexible 
and agile approach.

2 3

GLOBAL PRESENCE

The Group is globally recognised 
with over 3,400 stores in 32 
territories following a history of 
international expansion and further 
acquisitions capability in the future.

12

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20224

PROVEN TRACK 
RECORD

JD operates from a stable financial 
base with a history of strong revenue 
and profit growth over a sustained 
period (see page 236 for our five 
year history). 

Revenue £m

£8,563.0m

8,563.0

6,110.8

6,167.3

4,717.8

3,161.4

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

5

FOCUSED ON ESG

As a FTSE 100 company, we recognise 
and embrace that our scale enables 
us to make positive, lasting changes 
by extending our entrepreneurial and 
competitive spirit beyond financial 
performance to making the world 
around us a better place. Read our 
latest Environment, Social and 
Governance Report on page 51.

OUR PEOPLE

At the heart of JD are highly-motivated, 
loyal and experienced teams who have 
a razor sharp focus on the consumer 
and continuously set the global standard 
for retail experience through best-in-
class operations. 

6

13

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022O U R   B U S I N E S S   M O D E L   A N D   S T R A T E G Y

OUR BUSINESS MODEL AND STRATEGY 

The Group’s principal JD banner is widely recognised 
as the leading omnichannel retailer of branded and 
private label Sports Fashion apparel and footwear 
in the UK and Ireland. Increasingly, the fascia is 
attracting a similar reputation internationally.

The other banners within the Group offer category 
width, international reach, flexibility and ability to 
broaden its appeal to a wider consumer base. 

Our strategy is underpinned by the following pillars:

 – Strong consumer connection
 – Excellence in physical retail & the 

international expansion of the JD brand

 – Omnichannel capability & technology
 – Environment, social & governance
 – Brand & category width

o u r   b u s i n e s s   m o d e l

KEY INPUTS

International
brands

Supply 
chain

Third-party 
logistics

Private labels

Technology  
and IT 
infrastructure

CHANNELS

Wholesale

Stores

In-store
devices

s t r a t e g i c   p r i o r i t y

w h at   w e   a c h i e v e d   i n   2 0 2 1 / 2 2 f u t u r e   va l u e   g e n e r at i o n

  STRONG CONSUMER CONNECTION

JD seeks to inspire the emerging generation of globally 
minded consumers through a connection to the universal 
culture of sport, music and fashion. JD has a detailed 
understanding of its fashion focused consumer and 
cultivates its product range to appeal to this audience. 

  EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICAL RETAIL 
& INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

The Group continuously sets the global standard 
for retail experience through best-in-class operations, 
connected consumer experiences and the unique 
delivery of the world’s most authentic brands to the 
market. The Group is committed to showcasing brands 
in a premium environment and stores remain a core 
part of our strategy.

  OMNICHANNEL CAPABILITY & TECHNOLOGY

We utilise our digital platforms to maximise our reach 
and impact on a local level, with consumers able to shop 
seamlessly across all channels. We want our consumers 
to be able to shop frictionlessly, however and whenever 
they choose.

  ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG)

Improving ESG performance is an integral part of our 
Group strategy. As a FTSE 100 company, we recognise 
and embrace that our scale enables us to make positive, 
lasting changes. 

Apps

Online
Desktop, tablet 
and mobile 
optimised

Store  
collection or 
home delivery

  BRAND & CATEGORY WIDTH

Across the wider Group, there are multiple businesses 
which expand our branded reach, support our ability to 
develop and wholesale branded clothing or facilitate the 
Group’s entry into fashion and sport-related categories. 
This helps us to maintain ultimate flexibility in our 
business model, widen our customer appeal and 
capitalise on the fast pace of consumer trends.

Delivery

14

 –  Our product offering is underpinned by substantial 

 –  We will continue to focus on our core 

communication of the JD brand and its associations through 

demographic whilst also targeting relevant 

social media, influencers and outdoor marketing campaigns.

brand or product adjacencies. 

 – The Group successfully worked with a number of sport, 

 – We will continue to work with the most influential 

music and fashion partners during the year, including 

names in youth culture across all social media 

ITV’s Love Island and Manchester’s Parklife festival. 

channels and as appointed brand ambassadors.

 – The Christmas campaign made JD the destination for 

Christmas shopping as the number one TV advert on 

YouTube with over 20 million views and in excess of 

44 million TikTok views.

 – Total number of stores across the Group increased by 766 

 –  Further development of the Group’s presence in 

to 3,402 stores at the year end.

the US, the largest sportswear market in the world.

 –  Expansion into new territories through a combination of 

 – We will continue with our major programme to 

organic growth and selective acquisitions, with Group 

enhance the logistics network across the UK and 

fascias present in 32 territories worldwide at the financial 

Western Europe.

year end.

 – We will work with our acquisitions and joint 

 – Larger format stores opened in the UK, demonstrating our 

venture partners to expand further into new 

continued focus on visual merchandising, retail theatre and 

territories in Central and Eastern Europe and 

 – 13 global acquisitions completed this year (see Note 11) 

 – For further details, see our Property and Stores 

digital integration.

for details).

further afield.

review on page 44.

 –  The continuing global growth in physical store space is 

 – We are investing in additional warehousing 

complemented by ongoing investment in our international 

capacity that can be solely dedicated to the 

online capability through a significant multicurrency and 

fulfilment of online orders in the UK.

multilanguage website estate. 

 – Further investment in our website estate to 

 – High levels of sales retention in the periods of temporary 

coordinate the growth in physical retail with 

store closures due to COVID-19 restrictions. Consumers  

our digital platforms.

have readily switched to online channels, reflecting the 

benefits of the agile omnichannel approach that the 

Group has developed over a number of years.

 –  We are proud of our achievements to date, from improving 

 –  We understand that there is still so much more 

conditions for workers in our supply chain to increasing our 

that we can do. Our ESG Committee governs our 

efforts (and those of our suppliers) to reduce the impact of 

approach to sustainability, including such critical 

climate change.

topics as Climate Change, Sustainable Sourcing, 

 – Examples of the Group’s achievements in the year include: 

and the Circular Economy. Our ESG section on 

Retaining the Group’s A- Climate Change grade from the 

page 51 provides further details of our future 

Carbon Disclosure Project, working with the UK 

ESG strategy.

Government as a national partner and employing over 700 

people through the Kickstart Scheme plus the Group has 

increased the gender and ethnic diversity of its Board. 

 – Further details of all of the Group’s achievements in this 

area are included in our ESG section on page 51.

 –  The Group completed several acquisitions in the year 

 –  We will continue to make selective acquisitions 

that expand our brand and category width both in the 

where appropriate to expand our brand and 

UK and internationally. 

category width whilst still focusing on enhanced 

 – A number of strategic investments were made in the year 

profitability in the medium term.

in associates and joint venture companies such as Applied 

Nutrition and Gym King (see Note 15 for details).

 – Further development of our Outdoor portfolio with the 

inclusion of fishing and equestrian concessions within our 

Go Outdoors stores.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022s t r a t e g i c   p r i o r i t y

w h at   w e   a c h i e v e d   i n   2 0 2 1 / 2 2 f u t u r e   va l u e   g e n e r at i o n

  STRONG CONSUMER CONNECTION

JD seeks to inspire the emerging generation of globally 

minded consumers through a connection to the universal 

culture of sport, music and fashion. JD has a detailed 

understanding of its fashion focused consumer and 

cultivates its product range to appeal to this audience. 

  EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICAL RETAIL 

& INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

The Group continuously sets the global standard 

for retail experience through best-in-class operations, 

connected consumer experiences and the unique 

delivery of the world’s most authentic brands to the 

market. The Group is committed to showcasing brands 

in a premium environment and stores remain a core 

part of our strategy.

  OMNICHANNEL CAPABILITY & TECHNOLOGY

We utilise our digital platforms to maximise our reach 

and impact on a local level, with consumers able to shop 

seamlessly across all channels. We want our consumers 

to be able to shop frictionlessly, however and whenever 

they choose.

  ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG)

Improving ESG performance is an integral part of our 

Group strategy. As a FTSE 100 company, we recognise 

and embrace that our scale enables us to make positive, 

lasting changes. 

  BRAND & CATEGORY WIDTH

Across the wider Group, there are multiple businesses 

which expand our branded reach, support our ability to 

develop and wholesale branded clothing or facilitate the 

Group’s entry into fashion and sport-related categories. 

This helps us to maintain ultimate flexibility in our 

business model, widen our customer appeal and 

capitalise on the fast pace of consumer trends.

 –  Our product offering is underpinned by substantial 

 –  We will continue to focus on our core 

communication of the JD brand and its associations through 
social media, influencers and outdoor marketing campaigns.

demographic whilst also targeting relevant 
brand or product adjacencies. 

 – The Group successfully worked with a number of sport, 
music and fashion partners during the year, including 
ITV’s Love Island and Manchester’s Parklife festival. 
 – The Christmas campaign made JD the destination for 
Christmas shopping as the number one TV advert on 
YouTube with over 20 million views and in excess of 
44 million TikTok views.

 – We will continue to work with the most influential 
names in youth culture across all social media 
channels and as appointed brand ambassadors.

 – Total number of stores across the Group increased by 766 

 –  Further development of the Group’s presence in 

to 3,402 stores at the year end.

 –  Expansion into new territories through a combination of 
organic growth and selective acquisitions, with Group 
fascias present in 32 territories worldwide at the financial 
year end.

 – Larger format stores opened in the UK, demonstrating our 
continued focus on visual merchandising, retail theatre and 
digital integration.

the US, the largest sportswear market in the world.

 – We will continue with our major programme to 

enhance the logistics network across the UK and 
Western Europe.

 – We will work with our acquisitions and joint 
venture partners to expand further into new 
territories in Central and Eastern Europe and 
further afield.

 – 13 global acquisitions completed this year (see Note 11) 

 – For further details, see our Property and Stores 

for details).

review on page 44.

 –  The continuing global growth in physical store space is 

 – We are investing in additional warehousing 

complemented by ongoing investment in our international 
online capability through a significant multicurrency and 
multilanguage website estate. 

 – High levels of sales retention in the periods of temporary 
store closures due to COVID-19 restrictions. Consumers  
have readily switched to online channels, reflecting the 
benefits of the agile omnichannel approach that the 
Group has developed over a number of years.

 –  We are proud of our achievements to date, from improving 
conditions for workers in our supply chain to increasing our 
efforts (and those of our suppliers) to reduce the impact of 
climate change.

 – Examples of the Group’s achievements in the year include: 
Retaining the Group’s A- Climate Change grade from the 
Carbon Disclosure Project, working with the UK 
Government as a national partner and employing over 700 
people through the Kickstart Scheme plus the Group has 
increased the gender and ethnic diversity of its Board. 
 – Further details of all of the Group’s achievements in this 

area are included in our ESG section on page 51.

 –  The Group completed several acquisitions in the year 

that expand our brand and category width both in the 
UK and internationally. 

 – A number of strategic investments were made in the year 
in associates and joint venture companies such as Applied 
Nutrition and Gym King (see Note 15 for details).

 – Further development of our Outdoor portfolio with the 

inclusion of fishing and equestrian concessions within our 
Go Outdoors stores.

capacity that can be solely dedicated to the 
fulfilment of online orders in the UK.

 – Further investment in our website estate to 
coordinate the growth in physical retail with 
our digital platforms.

 –  We understand that there is still so much more 

that we can do. Our ESG Committee governs our 
approach to sustainability, including such critical 
topics as Climate Change, Sustainable Sourcing, 
and the Circular Economy. Our ESG section on 
page 51 provides further details of our future 
ESG strategy.

 –  We will continue to make selective acquisitions 
where appropriate to expand our brand and 
category width whilst still focusing on enhanced 
profitability in the medium term.

15

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S T R A T E G Y   I N   A C T I O N

40 YEARS OF 
DEFiNiNG 
AN iCON

In the beginning...

JD began its journey in 1981 
with its first store in Bury, Greater 
Manchester and has since grown 
to become one of the leading 
global omnichannel retailer of 
sports, fashion and outdoor brands.

NYC flagship store

2020

2016

2016 also saw the opening of the 
Group’s first gym through the 
JD Gyms affordable yet stylish 
gym concept. In 2021, the Group 
completed the acquisition of 
GymNation, a chain of gyms 
based in the United Arab Emirates.

J + D John Wardle  
and David Makin

1981

First store in Bury, Manchester

New Territories

The JD fascia expanded internationally 
with its first store in France in 2010 
and now has flagship-style stores 
in many of the Group’s European 
territories. Next stop was the 
Asia Pacific region in 2016, with 
the US following in 2018 after 
the acquisition of Finish Line.

2020

Paris flagship store

New Markets

The Group expanded into the 
Outdoor market via its acquisition 
of Blacks and Millets in 2012, with 
the acquisition of Go Outdoors 
following in 2016. 

16

2016

Acquisition of GO

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DEFiNiNG 
AN iCON

2015

Oxford Street, London

2021

Westfield, Stratford

New Zealand

2021

Where next?

The Group plans to continue its 
expansion into new territories in 
Central and Eastern Europe. We are 
also working with our joint venture 
partners further afield, with the 
first JD store in Jakarta, Indonesia 
opening in the first few weeks of 
2022/23, followed more recently by 
the opening of the two stores in Israel.

What’s next?

We plan to further develop our 
Group fascias in both existing and 
new territories and will continue to 
make selective acquisitions where 
appropriate to expand our brand 
and category width.

For further details see Our Business 
Model and Strategy on page 14.

1981

Started in Bury,  
Greater Manchester

THE SHOWCASE  
OF CHOICE 

From the North West of England to the 
West Coast of America, Australia and 
beyond, the Group strives to provide 
its customers with the latest exclusive 
products from the very best brands.

t h e   j d 
d u f f l e
The Group’s iconic plastic 
bag (the JD ‘duffle’) represents 
a fantastic example of how a 
design-led plastic product can 
generate continued re-use from 
customers. The JD flexi-loop 
bags are now made with 70% 
recycled content.

2021

GymNation, UAE

17

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S T R A T E G Y   I N   A C T I O N

40 YEARS OF 
BRiLLiANT 
BRANDS

18

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022BRiLLiANT 
BRANDS THE KING 
OF TRAINERS

The Group is at the pinnacle of the 
global sports fashion industry with 
consumers instinctively knowing 
that our retail propositions focus on 
their fashion desires and aspirations 
in both footwear and apparel. 

e x c l u s i v e 
p r o d u c t
We seek opportunities to work in 
partnership with the third-party 
brands on the design of bespoke 
product which is then exclusive 
to the Group’s fascias. 

International brands 
regularly call out JD 
as a premier global 
strategic partner.

19

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S T R A T E G Y   I N   A C T I O N

40 YEARS OF 
THE BEST 
EMPLOYEES

20

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022THE BEST 
EMPLOYEES
THE HEARTBEAT  
OF OUR BUSINESS

employees in 2021/22

67,831

average number of 

The talented individuals working across 
the Group are integral to our continued 
success, delivering exceptional results 
year after year. 

We want to attract, retain and develop 
the very best talent at all levels throughout 
the Group and believe that an engaged 
workforce is an essential ingredient towards 
our continued success.

k i c k s t a r t
We are proud to be working with the 
UK Government as a national partner 
on its Kickstart scheme which aims 
to provide employment opportunities 
for young people who were previously 
on Universal Credit and who faced 
significant barriers to employment 
as a result of the pandemic. Further  
details can be found on page 78.

The Group continues to strive 
to create an environment where 
people feel welcome and safe, 
where they are treated with 
dignity and respect and where 
the talent and skills of all 
colleagues are valued.

21

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S T R A T E G Y   I N   A C T I O N

40 YEARS OF 
GLOBAL
GROWTH

JD has a powerful 
combination of 
international reach, 
a strong consumer 
connection and a 
consistently premium 
proposition.

22

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022GLOBAL
GROWTH

32

territories  
across  
the globe

A MULTICHANNEL 
PLATFORM FOR  
FUTURE GROWTH

The Group has over 3,400 stores across 
32 territories at the financial year end 
and this continuing global growth in 
physical store space is complemented by 
a significant multicurrency, multilanguage 
website estate.

t h e   
b i g   a p p l e
JD’s profile in the United States 
was enhanced by the opening of our 
16,000 sqft flagship store in Times 
Square, New York in October 2020. 

At the 2022 financial year end, there 
were 87 stores trading as JD in the 
United States.

23

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S T R A T E G Y   I N   A C T I O N

40 YEARS OF 
LEADiNG
RETAiL

d i g i t a l 
f u t u r e
We utilise our digital platforms to 
maximise our reach and impact on a 
local level with consumers able to shop 
seamlessly across all channels. We want 
our consumers to be able to shop on the 
channel and at the time of their choice.

24

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022LEADiNG
RETAiL

3,402

stores

CREATING  
RETAIL THEATRE

JD is a world class retail fascia where a 
constantly evolving sports and fashion 
premium brand offer is presented in a 
vibrant retail theatre with innovative 
digital technology.

The Group continuously sets the global 
standard for retail experience through 
best-in-class operations, connected 
consumer experiences and the unique 
delivery of the world’s most authentic 
brands to the market. 

t h e   
s t o r e s
The stores give a platform to showcase 
product, allow consumers to physically 
see and try the product immediately, 
and provide the operational flexibility 
and agility to offer an enhanced speed 
of service for online orders.

We will continue to invest in 
property with a focus on the 
international expansion of 
the JD fascia. For more details 
see our Property and Stores 
review on page 44.

25

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022P R I N C I P A L   R I S K S

OUR FRAMEWORK AND PROCESS 

r i s k   m a n a g e m e n t 
a n d   i n t e r n a l 
c o n t r o l s 
The Board, in conjunction with the Audit 
& Risk Committee, has full responsibility for 
monitoring the effectiveness of the Group’s 
system of risk management and the supporting 
system of internal controls. Executive Directors 
and Senior Management are tasked with managing 
risk on a day-to-day basis and are supported 
by functional risk management in areas of focus 
such as Environmental, Social and Governance 
(‘ESG’), Cyber and Health & Safety. Additionally, 
the Board operates the following features of risk 
management and internal controls:

 – A well-defined organisational structure.
 – Identification and monitoring of the business 

risks facing the Group, with major risks identified 
and reported to the Audit & Risk Committee and 
the Board as necessary and an annual risk report 
preparation and review process. As per page 108 
of the Audit & Risk Committee report, the Group is 
looking to enhance its framework in this area with 
Phase 1 of designing an Enterprise Risk Management 
process starting with immediate effect.

 – Detailed appraisal and authorisation procedures 
for capital investment, which are documented 
in the Matters Reserved for the Board and 
the Group’s Contract Authorisation Policy.

 – Prompt preparation of comprehensive 

monthly management accounts providing 
relevant, reliable and up-to-date information. 
These allow for comparison with budget and 
previous year’s results. Significant variances 
from approved budgets are investigated 
as appropriate.

 – Preparation of comprehensive annual profit 

and cash flow budgets allowing management 
to monitor business activities and major risks 
and the progress towards financial objectives 
in the short and medium term.

 – Monitoring of store procedures and the 

reporting and investigation of suspected 
fraudulent activities.

 – Reconciliation and checking of all cash and 
stock balances and investigation of any 
material differences.

The Board continues to review opportunities to 
develop, strengthen and optimise the effectiveness 
of these systems, particularly in light of the recent 
growth of the business following the material 
acquisitions in the US and continued growth in 
Europe and Asia Pacific. The Group has therefore 
created an internal controls function with a 

primary focus on implementing a Group-wide 
controls framework (see page 110 for further 
details). Further, the Board sees the value in a 
connected and embedded process where risks 
and opportunities are considered when making 
decisions to meet strategic objectives. To further 
this, the Board has established an internal working 
group to build and execute a roadmap of risk 
management improvements in 2022 and beyond. 
The 2023 Annual Report will provide details on 
new features of the risk management framework. 

a s s e s s m e n t   o f 
p r i n c i p a l   a n d 
e m e r g i n g   r i s k s 
a n d   u n c e r t a i n t i e s
The Directors confirm that, during the financial 
year, there has been a continuous assessment of 
the principal risks and uncertainties facing the 
Group, including any emerging risks, and those 
that would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity. 

The principal risk areas remain largely the same as 
reported last year and as a prelude to the principal 
risks table, the Board has provided commentary 
below on the areas of change and topical risks 
impacting the Group.

Brexit
The terms of the UK’s trading agreement with 
the European Union mean that we no longer 
enjoy tariff-free frictionless trading with our 
former European partners. As a consequence, 
we are now incurring some duties on the transfer 
of goods from the UK into EU countries plus a 
significantly enhanced administrative burden. 

Our detailed planning meant that we were well 
prepared for Brexit. Our operational systems have 
been configured to sort stocks as required by the 
Customs Authorities and produce the necessary 
documentation in the right format, although there 
is still some disruption from Customs checks on 
the transfer of goods from the UK into the EU. 
Further, we have a clear plan to expand our 
European supply chain operations, which will 
mitigate against the disruption and duties on 
transferring goods into the EU. 

Now that the impact of Brexit has been integrated 
into our day-to-day operations and strategy, we 
have removed this from our principal risks table. 
Further detail in respect of our European supply 
chain strategy can be found on pages 15 and 50.

26

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Finally, our approach to ESG risks will benefit from 
the roadmap of risk management improvements 
detailed on page 110.

Cost of Living Crisis
Many of the countries where the Group operates 
have experienced a cost of living increase since 
late 2021 with high inflation outstripping wage 
increases for many consumers. 

As with other retailers and distributors into retail 
businesses, the demand for the Group’s products 
is influenced by a number of economic factors, 
notably: interest rates, the availability of consumer 
credit, employment levels and ultimately, disposable 
income. Therefore, the emerging risk associated 
with the cost of living crisis will remain under 
review by the Group.

COVID-19 
Colleague safety and wellbeing has been, 
and continues to be, our number one priority. 
Social distancing and safety measures have 
been implemented according to the government 
guidelines in the countries in which we operate. 

Further, COVID-19 has impacted our supply 
chain strategy and expedited our requirement 
for additional long-term warehousing capacity in 
the UK that can be dedicated to the fulfilment of 
online orders. Further detail on our supply chain 
strategy can be found in our Property and Stores 
Review on page 50. 

Across all of our markets, COVID-19 remains a 
pressing issue, with each country taking a different 
approach to managing the situation. In the UK, 
for example, some of our COVID-19 measures 
have been adjusted to mirror the trend towards 
‘living with COVID’. The personal, operational and 
economic implications in all of our territories will 
remain under constant review in 2022. 

Topical Risks
ESG Risks 
Improving the sustainability and environmental 
performance of the Group has been an integral 
facet of our business plan over recent years with 
efforts intensifying due to both external pressures 
and our increasing global footprint. The Group 
continues to adhere to ESG best practice by 
identifying and detailing climate-related and 
social impact risks.

The Group uses globally recognised independent 
benchmarks to assess our ESG performance 
and to help identify ESG-related risks. Robust  
governance, transparency and accountability 
principles underpin our approach across all areas 
of the business. Understanding and assessing ESG 
risks supports our efforts to mitigate and manage 
accordingly, benefitting both the Group, and the 
local environments in which we operate. 

The Group recognises the Task Force on 
Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) 
recommendation to quantify financial impact 
of strategic climate-related risks. Considerable  
time has been invested in our attempts to fulfil 
this requirement. However, our research into 
quantifying climate risks identified that (owing to 
the current lack of standard calculation method) 
there are large variances in the interpretations 
and estimates from the leading brands that have 
provided estimates. We anticipate that more 
accurate, verifiable climate-related financial 
planning risks can be provided within one to two 
years. The Group continues to discuss climate-
related risks within our regular financial planning 
activities, primarily via the Group ESG Committee, 
chaired by our Chief Financial Officer.

27

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

The following table outlines the Group’s principal risks, the change in risk exposure in 2021/22, the mitigation activities 
and links to our strategy. The table only includes those risks that the Group has identified as principal risks. 

k e y

Consumer 
connection 

Omnichannel 
capability & 
technology

Increased risk  
exposure

Brand &  
category width

No change in 
risk exposure

Reduced risk  
exposure

Physical retail & 
international expansion

ESG

STRATEGIC RISK

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Acquisition Risks
JD’s status as a premier global strategic partner with key international 
brands is an important factor in the success of the Group. Acquisitions  
and expansion into new territories should align with the Group’s overall 
corporate strategy and further develop these brand relationships. 

A core element of the Group’s growth and diversification strategy 
is through selective acquisitions to expand the Group’s stable of 
private labels. 

Acquired businesses may fail to realise expected synergies, growth 
targets and performance, impacting Group profitability and cash flows.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Link to Our Strategy 

Mitigating Activities

The Group has detailed targeted appraisal procedures in place, 
including appropriate due diligence and a dedicated Mergers & 
Acquisitions function.

We have robust Board approval procedures to ensure the thorough 
and detailed review of acquisition proposals. 

Integration plans are finalised prior to acquisitions completing to ensure 
newly acquired businesses are integrated efficiently and swiftly.

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

Key Suppliers & Brands
The retail fascias are heavily dependent on third-party brands and these 
brands themselves being desirable to the consumer if the 
revenue streams are to grow. 

The Group is also subject to the distribution policies operated by some 
third-party brands. Further, supply chain issues or a reduction in the 
allocation of stock from key suppliers could negatively impact the results 
of the Group.

The Group regularly engages with its key suppliers with the aim 
of continuing to receive the exclusive, differentiated footwear and 
apparel which our consumer desires. We seek opportunities to work 
in partnership with the third-party brands on the design of bespoke 
product which is then exclusive to the Group’s fascias. 

The Group aims to add new brands to its offer and provide a stable 
of evolving private labels to expand the width of its brand and 
category offer. 

Excess Inventories
As with other retailers and distributors into retail businesses, the Group’s 
core retail business is highly seasonal and the most important trading 
period in terms of sales, profitability and cash flow in its Sports Fashion 
fascias continues to be the Christmas season. Lower than expected 
performance in this period may have an adverse impact on results for the 
full year and may result in excess inventories that are difficult to liquidate.

Business Interruption
Significant amounts of stock are held in any one of the Group’s 
warehouses. As a result there is an increased risk to store replenishment 
and multichannel fulfilment from both equipment and system failure, 
together with the inherent risk of holding large amounts of stock in 
any one location. 

The Group seeks to manage the risk of excess inventories by 
monitoring the stock levels and managing the peaks in demand 
constantly with regular sales re-forecasting.

A conceptual business continuity plan is in place for our 
warehouse operations.

A full support contract with our automation equipment providers 
is in place which includes a 24/7 presence from qualified engineers 
thereby enabling immediate attention to any equipment issues. 

The Group also pays for enhanced ‘hypercare’ support over the 
seasonal peak period from Black Friday in November to Christmas.

28

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

Intellectual Property
The Group’s trademarks and other intellectual property rights are critical 
in maintaining the value of the Group’s private labels. Ensuring that the 
Group’s businesses can use these brands exclusively is critical in providing 
a point of differentiation to our customers and without this exclusivity we 
believe that footfall into the stores, visits to our websites and ultimately 
conversion of these visits into revenues would all be reduced.

The Group works with third-party organisations to ensure that the 
Group’s intellectual property is registered in all relevant territories. 

The Group also has a well-established Profit Protection team 
which actively works to prevent counterfeit product being 
passed off as legitimate.

ENVIRONMENTAL 

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Climate Reporting
Failure to achieve climate-related targets, meet reporting requirements 
and ‘green-washing’ in our supply chain and marketing processes could 
result in public criticism and fines. 

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

The Group has adopted the TCFD framework in order to keep the 
transitional risks, physical risks and opportunities under review.

The Group’s ESG Committee is responsible for determining ESG-related 
strategy, corporate risk assessment and monitoring ESG performance 
across the Group’s respective fascias and territories. 

For further details of our ESG-related risks, our environment-related 
investment plans and the communication of our ESG strategy to 
colleagues, customers and investors see page 54 and our ESG report 
at www.jdplc.com.

SOCIAL – HUMAN RIGHTS, LABOUR STANDARDS AND RESPONSIBILITY

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

Human Rights & Labour Standards
Failure to uphold the rights of people working in our distribution 
centres and warehouses, including those in the supply chain of our 
private labels could result in criticism by the media and other bodies. 
Adverse reports may influence consumer decision making.

Reliance on Non-UK Manufacturers
The majority of both third-party branded product and the Group’s 
private label product is sourced outside of the UK. The Group is 
therefore exposed to the risks of human rights violations from having 
parts of its supply chain operating in regions with inadequate labour 
laws and working practices. 

The Group’s Supply Chain Ethics team has an ongoing programme 
to audit our private label supply chain (including agents, factories, 
mills, dye houses and print houses).

Suppliers within our private label supply chain are required to adhere 
to the Group’s ‘Ethical Code of Practice’ which provides assurance 
that workers producing our products are safe and in fair conditions. 

Compliance in our private label supply chain is monitored by the 
Group’s Head of Quality and Ethics who has extensive experience 
in this area. The Group has established a cross functional approach 
to compliance ensuring that the sourcing and design teams work 
collaboratively to ensure compliance is built into the design process. 

For our largest third-party brand partners, the Group collates 
disclosures and statements (such as supply chain risk and ESG-
related issues) on material matters including, but not limited to 
modern slavery, codes of practice, carbon emissions and water 
security. A consolidated view of risks and opportunities identified 
is periodically provided to our ESG Committee for review and 
appropriate action.

The Group uses third-party accredited auditors to continuously 
audit the factories it uses for its private label business. The Group’s 
factories are also screened and verified prior to being included 
within our sourcing strategy. 

29

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Health & Safety 
Failure to establish and maintain safe environments could result in 
personal injuries, distress and fatalities to our employees and customers. 

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

Health and safety incidents are recorded and profiled. Actions are 
taken to address adverse trends. 

The Group Health & Safety Committee meets on a quarterly basis. 
The Committee is chaired by the Group Health & Safety Manager with 
attendees including the Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary 
and Group Property Director. 

Targets are set by the Board to enable measurement of performance. 
Performance against targets, incidents, and legal claims that arise are 
reported to the Board by the Group Health & Safety Manager. 

There is a comprehensive induction and training programme for all 
staff covering health & safety issues.

COVID-19
Failure to follow government guidelines could result in significant 
health and safety challenges to our employees and customers. 

The Group has COVID-19 working practices that remain under 
review and are adjusted to reflect the latest government and 
scientific guidelines for the markets we operate in. 

GOVERNANCE – ANTI-CORRUPTION, RISK MANAGEMENT, REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Anti-corruption and Anti-bribery
The Group’s practices and colleague behaviours could result in 
breaches in regulations and fines. 

Tax Risk
Tax risk arises due to the global scale of the Group’s operations and the 
governing tax legislation that is applicable in each associated jurisdiction.

Data Protection Compliance
With our increased reliance on our multichannel digital and marketing 
activities, the Group could inadvertently process customer or employee 
data in a manner deemed unethical or unlawful resulting in significant 
financial penalties, remedial costs and reputational damage. 

Regulatory & Compliance
The Group operates in a fast-paced retail environment which is 
subject to various legislation, codes of practice, guidance and 
standards including, but not limited to, the listing rules, consumer 
protection and trading standards legislation, advertising regulations, 
product safety and quality standards, carbon emission reporting, 
bribery and corruption requirements, market abuse regulation, FCA 
regulations in respect of the provision of consumer credit, competition 
law and health & safety legislation.

The Group recognises that failure to comply with these legal frameworks 
may result in financial or reputational damage to the business.

Further, as a result of Brexit, laws and regulations could diverge 
between the UK and EU leading to increased operational complexity 
and a greater risk of non-compliance.

CMA Action
The Competition and Markets Authority (‘CMA’) acts as the competition 
regulator in the United Kingdom. The CMA has a wide-ranging remit 
covering mergers and acquisitions, unfair trading practices and 
anti-competitive behaviour. As the Group continues to grow and as 
the Group’s activities continue to expand, the CMA will have increased 
involvement in considering the Group’s activities and proposed mergers 
and acquisitions. Failure to comply with competition regulators in the 
UK and beyond can result in public criticism, significant financial 
penalties, reputational damage and remediation costs. 

30

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

There is an Employee Handbook which outlines the standards 
expected of employees and the Group has an anti-corruption and 
bribery policy that is available to all staff. The Group Profit Protection 
team monitors and investigates any convictions and issues. 

The Group aims to ensure that it pays the right amount of tax in each 
country in which it operates and does not engage in arrangements 
which are artificial or contrived. The Group actively identifies, 
evaluates, manages and monitors tax risks on an ongoing basis 
using tax risk registers and strives to remain low-risk. Where there 
is uncertainty or complexity in relation to how the tax legislation is 
to be applied, advice is sought from external advisors and discussed 
where appropriate with the relevant tax authority.

The Group has a Data Protection Officer who is supported by the 
Group’s Legal team, Information Security team, HR and Profit Protection 
team to advise the business and to provide training where applicable.

The Group expects all suppliers to comply with its Conditions of Supply 
which clearly sets out its expectations of its suppliers and includes an 
Ethical Code of Practice which all suppliers must adhere to. 

The Group has a legal team which advises the business on day-to-
day legal matters and aims to ensure compliance with all applicable 
legal and regulatory frameworks with the support of external 
specialist advisors. 

The legal team provide updates to the Executive Directors on 
significant matters relating to legal and regulatory compliance. 
In addition, the Board are engaged in a process to enhance the 
Group’s overall regulatory compliance (for example, in recognition 
of the Group’s Principle 11 obligations under the FCA framework).

The Group invests heavily in external specialist competition law 
advice from well-respected competition law advisors. The Group 
continues to invest in additional policies, procedures, and training 
programmes to ensure that colleagues in the business are aware of 
the rules in this area and can make appropriate decisions on a 
day-to-day basis.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022RETAIL PROPERTY FACTORS

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Retail Property
The Group can be financially exposed where it has committed itself 
to a long lease in a location which, as a result of external factors, 
now has high vacancy rates. Higher vacancy rates make a location 
less attractive to the customer resulting in further reductions in 
footfall and potentially lower sales volumes in the future. 

Additionally, there could be a further shift of revenue from bricks 
and mortar stores to e-commerce as consumer preferences continue 
to change over time.

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

New property lease agreements are actively managed by Senior 
Management, with caps on the length of leases, break options, 
capped rent reviews and rents based on store revenue. 

When the Group determines that the current store performance is 
unsatisfactory then an assessment is made as to whether the Group 
wants to continue trading in that location and engages accordingly 
with the landlord. 

If it is considered that the best solution is to exit the store completely 
then the landlord is approached with a view to a complete surrender 
of the lease. If this is not possible then the Group would alternatively 
seek to assign the lease or sub-let to another retailer. 

Assigning the lease or finding a sub-tenant is not without risk 
because if the incoming retailer fails then the liability to pay the 
rent usually reverts to the head lessee. The Group monitors the 
financial condition of the assignees closely for evidence that the 
possibility of a store returning is more than remote. The Board 
reviews the list of assigned leases regularly to assess the probable 
risk of the store returning to the Group under privity of contract. 

The Group continues to invest in store refurbishment, visual 
merchandising, retail theatre, customer service and digital 
integration to enhance the consumers’ in-store retail experience.

IT SYSTEMS 

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

IT Systems
The Group relies heavily on its IT systems and networks and those of its 
partners to service its customers throughout the year across all channels. 

Any long-term interruption in the availability of core enterprise systems 
would have a significant impact on the retail businesses.

The Group manages this risk by combining the best available premise 
solutions with active cloud provisioning to form a robust architecture. 

The principal IT services are hosted in enterprise grade data centres with 
high availability and reliability at the core of their design. In addition, 
there are robust backup and disaster recovery capabilities in place 
which are tested periodically throughout the year.

CYBER SECURITY

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

Cyber Security
Cyber-crime is becoming more sophisticated with the risk increasing 
across all markets. Any cyber-attack or breach of data may result in the 
short-term loss of revenue and diverted resources, while there is also 
the risk of a longer-term negative impact on customer confidence and 
the Group’s reputation.

The continued growth of the Group via acquisition leads to a more 
complex network of IT systems. The Group recognises the importance 
of maintaining a robust set of cyber security policies, procedures and 
technical controls across all business areas.

The Group continues to invest in protecting our sites, systems, and 
customer data from exposure to cyber-attacks. There has also been 
a strong focus on increasing the level of cyber security education 
and awareness across all Group staff, with a particular focus on the 
increased risk when working remotely.

The Group has developed strong processes to review and manage 
the security risks within our IT systems in order to quickly detect 
and respond to any threats that occur. 

Regular independent assessments of the Group’s security posture are 
undertaken to ensure that the correct people, processes and technology 
are in place to mitigate against the ever-changing threat landscape.

31

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022PRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

PERSONNEL

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Key Management Personnel
The success of the Group is dependent upon the continued service of 
its key management personnel and upon its ability to attract, motivate 
and retain suitably qualified employees. 

TREASURY AND FINANCIAL

Change in Risk Exposure 2021/22  
before Mitigating Activities

Risk and Impact

Economic Factors
As with other retailers and distributors into retail businesses, 
the demand for the Group’s products is influenced by a number 
of economic factors, notably interest rates, the availability of 
consumer credit, employment levels and, ultimately, disposable 
income. These economic factors are impacted by events outside 
of the Group’s control, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign Exchange 
As a result of the Group’s global footprint, we are increasingly exposed 
to foreign exchange risk and profits may be adversely affected by 
unforeseen fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. 

Branded product for the JD fascia throughout Europe is purchased 
mainly by JD Sports Fashion Plc which is the main UK trading business. 
This business then sells to the international businesses in their local 
currencies. Given the current geographical location of the Group’s stores 
this results in a significant Sterling/Euro exposure in the UK trading 
business for the Euros which are remitted back for stock purchases.

There is also exposure in relation to Sterling/US Dollar consequent to 
the sourcing of private label merchandise, where suppliers are located 
principally in the Far East or Indian sub-continent. Strengthening of the 
US Dollar relative to Sterling makes product sourced in this currency 
more expensive thus reducing profitability.

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

To help achieve this continued service, the Group has competitive 
reward packages for all staff. 

More specifically for the retail businesses, the Group also has a long 
established and substantial training function which seeks to develop 
training for all levels of retail employees and thereby increase morale 
and improve staff retention. This ensures that knowledge of the 
Group’s differentiated product offering is not lost, thereby 
enhancing customer service.

The Nominations Committee is currently actively engaged in the 
recruitment of a Group Chief Executive Officer and Independent 
Non-Executive Chair. This process is being conducted with the 
assistance of a market leading executive search company. 
For further details please refer to the Nominations Committee 
Report on page 106.

Link to Our Strategy

Mitigating Activities

The Group seeks to manage this risk by offering a highly desirable and 
competitively priced product range, which is highly differentiated 
from that of the Group’s competitors.

The Group operates a centralised treasury function which is responsible 
for managing liquidity, interest rates and foreign currency risks. 
It operates under a Board approved Treasury Policy. 

Our European supply chain strategy has reduced the exposure in 
2021/22 and will continue to reduce the Sterling/Euro exposure 
going forward as the European Distribution Centres increasingly 
source the goods in Euros and create a natural hedge.

Surplus Euros are also used to fund the international store 
developments across Europe thus alleviating the need for local 
third-party financing.

The resulting Euros that will continue to flow back to the UK are 
converted back to Sterling with hedging now put in place for 
approximately 75% of the anticipated surplus for the year to 
28 January 2023. This leaves some Euros available should the 
Group need to move quickly to take advantage of acquisitions 
or other investment opportunities.

The Group sets a buying rate for the purchase of private label goods 
in US Dollars at the start of the buying season (typically six to nine 
months before the product actually starts to appear in the stores) 
and then enters into a number of local currency/US Dollar contracts, 
using a variety of instruments, whereby the minimum exchange rate 
on the purchase of Dollars is guaranteed. Hedging has now been put 
in place for approximately 75% of the anticipated requirement for 
the year to 28 January 2023.

32

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
Assessment of the Group’s Prospects 
The Board regularly reviews the current financial 
position and performance and assesses the future 
prospects of the Group. As part of this assessment 
the Board reviews the Group’s income and 
expenditure projections, cash flows and other 
key financial ratios along with the potential 
impact of, and challenges presented by, the 
principal risks outlined on page 26 to 33. 

The Group’s strategy along with the factors likely 
to affect the development, performance and 
position of the businesses are detailed throughout 
the Strategic Report on pages 4 to 91. 

Viability Reporting
In accordance with the requirements of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the Board has 
assessed the viability of the Group for a period 
of three years to 1 February 2025. 

A period of three years has been selected as the 
Board considered this to be an appropriate period 
to assess performance and the potential impact 
of key risks in a fast-paced retail environment. 
The three year period also strikes a balance 
between the time horizons across the different 
aspects of the Group, such as short-term detailed 
financial budgets and forecasts, medium-term 
financing considerations and retail space planning. 

Whilst all of the risks identified in our Principal 
Risks section could have an impact on the 
Group’s performance, the specific risks that have 
been focused on for the purposes of Viability 
Reporting are those that pose the greatest risk 
to the Group’s financial position, being a potential 
reduction in sales volumes due to: 

1)  

2)  

 A material and unexpected reduction in 
demand due to future events such as a 
pandemic or economic downturn; or

 Supply chain issues, a reduction in the 
allocation of stock or business interruption 
impacting the availability of stock from one 
of our key Sports Fashion suppliers. 

The Board has evaluated the impact of these risks 
actually occurring based on severe but plausible 
scenarios, for example by reducing sales across 
the impacted Sports Fashion retail fascias by 10% 
in 2022/23 and a further 10% in 2023/24 and 
assuming any mitigating actions within the Group’s 
control (such as reductions in operating and 
capital expenditure) were not taken. The evaluation 
included performing sensitivity analysis by flexing 
the reduction in sales further, for example to 20% 
of sales across the impacted Sports Fashion retail 
fascias in 2022/23 and 2023/24. 

Furthermore, the global COVID-19 pandemic has 
presented a series of unprecedented challenges 
which have severely tested all aspects of our 
business including our multichannel capabilities, 
the robustness of our operational infrastructure 
and the resilience of our colleagues. Whilst COVID-19 
has inevitably constrained our short-term progress, 
we firmly believe that we have a robust premium 
branded multichannel proposition with our loyal 
consumers comfortable engaging with us in any 

channel. For the purposes of both Viability and 
Going Concern Reporting, the Directors have 
prepared severe but plausible downside scenarios 
which cover the same period as the base case, 
including specific consideration of a range of 
impacts that could arise from geopolitical tensions 
and the actual and potential impact on supply 
chains, inflationary cost pressures and business 
interruption impacting the availability of stock from 
the Group’s key Sports Fashion suppliers, as well 
as the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
These scenarios included a two month store closure 
in Winter 2023/24 and a 20% reduction in sales. 
As part of this analysis, mitigating actions within the 
Group’s control, should these severe but plausible 
scenarios occur, have also been considered. 

Viability Statement
All of the forecast scenarios indicate that there 
remains sufficient headroom for the Group to 
operate within the committed facilities and to 
comply with all relevant banking covenants during 
the forecast period. The Board therefore has a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they 
fall due over the three year period of the assessment.

Going Concern
The financial statements are prepared on a going 
concern basis, which the Directors believe to be 
appropriate for the following reasons:

At 29 January 2022, the Group had net cash 
balances of £1,185.9 million (2021: £795.4 million) 
including loans of £128.1 million (2021: £169.0 million) 
with available committed UK borrowing facilities 
of £700 million (2021: £700 million) of which £nil 
(2021: £nil) has been drawn down (see Note 20) and 
US facilities of approximately $300 million of which 
$nil was drawn down (2021: $nil). These facilities are 
subject to certain covenants (see Note 20). With a 
UK facility of £700 million available up to 6 November 
2026 and a US facility of approximately $300 million 
available up until 24 September 2026, the Directors 
believe that the Group is well placed to manage 
its business risks successfully despite the current 
uncertain economic outlook. The Group had net 
cash balances of £946.1 million as at 30 May 2022. 

The Directors have prepared cash flow forecasts 
for the Group covering a period of at least 12 months 
from the date of approval of the financial statements, 
which indicate that the Group will be able to operate 
within the level of its agreed facilities and covenant 
compliance. The Directors have considered all of 
the factors noted above, including the inherent 
uncertainty in forecasting the impact of the current 
geopolitical tensions and COVID-19 pandemic, and 
are confident that the Group has adequate resources 
to continue to meet all liabilities as and when they fall 
due for a period of at least 12 months from the date 
of approval of these financial statements. 

Neil Greenhalgh
Chief Financial Officer

22 June 2022

33

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022B U S I N E S S   &   F I N A N C I A L   R E V I E W

SPORTS FASHION

p r e m i u m   s p o r t s 
f a s h i o n
UK & Republic of Ireland
There was robust consumer demand in our 
UK and Republic of Ireland market throughout 
the period. During the Spring closure period 
the business retained approximately 90% of 
the comparative combined store and online 
revenues from 2019, being the last time we 
traded free from restrictions, through solely 
digital channels. This represented an improvement 
on the initial period of store closures in Spring 
2020 when the sales retention relative to pre-
COVID-19 levels through the initial period of 
store closures was approximately 70%. This is 
a reflection of the enhanced flexibility that we 
have built into our operational infrastructure 
since the start of the pandemic.

There was some pent-up demand when the stores 
reopened in April 2021 with exceptional growth in 
revenues in like-for-like stores through April and 
May, of around 30% when measured on a two year 
basis against 2019. Growth in revenues in like-for-
like stores relative to 2019 through the rest of the 
year then normalised at around 10%. 

We continue to take opportunities to invest in 
our retail estate where it will further enhance our 
consumer proposition in key locations with a net 
increase of 13 stores in the period. This included a 
new flagship store at Westfield Stratford which is 
the most technologically advanced store in our 
portfolio with a number of new consumer focused 
innovations including self-service checkout kiosks.

The growth in revenues in stores has been 
complemented by significant progression online. 
Since reopening, revenues through digital channels 
have remained at elevated levels as compared to 
the period prior to the pandemic with sales in the 
trading websites now representing approximately 
30% of total sales. Prior to the pandemic, sales 
through digital channels represented approximately 
22% of total sales and there is no reason to expect 
that they will drop back to those historic levels.

Europe
The COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of tariff-
free, frictionless trade with the European Union 
have combined to create a difficult operational 
environment. The first half of the year was 
particularly challenging, with all stores temporarily 
closed for a number of weeks in France, Belgium, 
Portugal, the Netherlands and Germany where 
the stores did not fully reopen until June. Other  
markets, including Spain and Italy, had a more 
regionalised approach with some stores able to 
remain open, albeit with restrictions on customer 
capacity and trading hours. In those markets which 
suffered full closures, the average retention of 
sales, compared to pre-pandemic levels, solely 
through digital channels in the closure period 
was around 80% (2021: 60%).

The performance in stores after reopening was 
mixed with some markets, including France and 
Italy, having robust levels of footfall initially. 
Combined with a higher level of conversion, this 
resulted in a short period where revenues in the 
like-for-like stores grew by around 20% compared 
to pre-COVID levels. However, consumers in other 
markets, particularly Germany and Portugal, were 
initially a lot more cautious about returning to 
stores and whilst conversion was significantly 
higher, revenues in stores in these countries 
remained below pre-pandemic levels.

34

* 

 Throughout the Annual Report ‘*’ indicates the first instance 
of a term defined and explained in the Alternative Performance 
Measures section on page 42.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Most markets remained open throughout the 
second half although there were further short 
closure periods in both the Netherlands and 
Austria. Footfall normalised at around 80% of 
pre-pandemic levels although Germany was 
slightly lower, typically averaging around 70%. 
However, there was significantly higher conversion 
in all markets and so, across Europe overall, the 
revenues in the like-for-like stores in the second 
half were around 10% ahead of 2019.

Restrictions on construction in a number of 
markets constrained store developments at 
times although we did ultimately open a net 
32 stores across the year. A further four stores 
were relocated to better space including a 
bigger store at the premium Maquinista Mall 
in Barcelona. The openings in the year included 
the first JD stores in Eastern Europe with a first 
store in both Poland and Romania. 

We believe that the operational challenges which 
we have faced in Europe over the last two years 
in particular are very much temporary in nature 
and we retain our belief in the long-term 
opportunity across the continent. Accordingly, 
we remain committed to expanding our physical 
retail presence in Europe at pace with a headline 
target of opening one store per week on average. 
Subsequent to the year end, JD opened its first 
store in Hungary which means that JD now has 
a presence in 14 markets across Europe

The JD team in Europe are also managing the joint 
venture in Israel with two stores now trading and 
further openings anticipated later in the year.

Online now represents approximately 20% of 
total sales for JD across Europe which represents 
a small increase from the 18% participation prior 
to the pandemic. The Group is currently actively 
engaged in a number of projects which will 
improve its service proposition for online orders 
in Europe in the short term ahead of fulfilment 
from the Group’s 620,000 sqft facility in Heerlen, 
South East Netherlands commencing in the first 
half of 2024.

Asia Pacific
COVID-19 related trading restrictions have had 
a significant impact in all of our markets in the 
Asia Pacific region at some stage of the period 
with lengthy periods of store closures in Australia 
and Malaysia in particular. All stores traded 
through the final quarter of the year, although 
footfall was below pre-pandemic levels in all 
markets. Australia was the market where footfall 
was closest to normal levels and, combined, with 
strong conversion resulted in an encouraging 
growth in revenues in like-for-like stores in the 
final quarter relative to 2019 of approximately 
20%. Notwithstanding the short-term challenges 
that we experienced in the year, we regard 
Australia as a very important market with 40 
stores trading at the end of the year (2021: 30).

Elsewhere, the Group opened two additional 
new stores in Thailand and also opened its first 
store in New Zealand at Sylvia Park in Auckland. 
Subsequent to the year end, working with its joint 
venture partner, PT Erajaya Swasembada Tb, the 
Group opened its first two stores in Indonesia which 
is JD’s sixth market in the Asia Pacific region.

North America
The stores in the United States have largely traded 
free from any restrictions in the year with all of our 
businesses benefitting significantly in the first half 
of the year, in particular from a temporary boost 
to trading which arose as a direct result of the 
second round of stimulus introduced by the 
Federal Government. The positive impact was 
most felt in the period from mid-March to mid-
July with revenues in the like-for-like stores in 
this period growing by more than 40% compared 
to pre-COVID levels. As with the first round of 
stimulus in the prior year, this economic support 
was given directly to individuals, focusing on lower 
earning members of the population. 

We are encouraged that even after this period 
of exceptional demand there was positive trading 
through the second half of the year although 
activity slowed after the peak Holiday season as 
our businesses, which have a higher participation 
of Nike and Jordan branded footwear in the overall 
mix, began to see the anticipated shortfall in the 
supply of certain key footwear styles. Supply  
of these styles will remain limited through the 
first half of this financial year but our expectation 
is still that the overall supply position should 
progressively improve through the year.

This strong demand through the year has also 
resulted in sector-wide lower inventory levels 
and, consequently, there was significantly less 
promotional activity than previous years with 
a notable increase in gross margins.

The Group now has a significant presence in 
North America with more than 930 stand-alone 
stores (excluding the Macy’s concessions) across 
the United States and Canada. It is our current 
intention to maintain JD/Finish Line, Shoe Palace 
and DTLR as separate fascias as there is little 
crossover in locations and they all have their 
own unique DNA which comes from their retail 
style and having a rich connection with the local 
consumer base in the individual neighbourhoods 
where they operate. However, we believe that 
there are opportunities to enhance both our 
collective operational effectiveness and the 
consumer experience in the United States by 
operating collaboratively in certain areas, such 
as Logistics and IT with a number of projects 
ongoing that are connected with this objective. 

35

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 – JD/Size (Canada): During the year, the Group, 
through its local management in the country, 
opened its first Group fascia stores in Canada 
with a first JD store in both Toronto and 
Vancouver and a Size? store, also in Toronto. 
These stores complement the existing four 
premium Livestock stores in the country. 
The momentum on new store openings has 
continued into this year with the first JD store 
also now open in Edmonton.

OTHER FASCIAS

UK & Republic of Ireland
As with the JD fascia, there was a high level of 
sales retention in the period in the premium fashion 
businesses whilst the stores were temporarily closed. 
Measured against 2019, around 85% of sales were 
retained in this period through digital channels, 
which was approximately 20% higher than the first 
closure period in Spring 2020.

Since reopening, the trends have been broadly 
similar to those in JD with significant initial pent-up 
demand helping to contribute to total revenue 
growth in stores through April and May of more 
than 15% compared to 2019. Similar to JD, footfall 
has slowed subsequently although continued 
higher conversion has helped ensure that the 
Tessuti and Scotts stores have continued to trade 
positively overall through the rest of the year.

We believe that these businesses are an important 
part of our Group, further elevating our overall 
proposition and we will continue to invest in our 
store estate to enhance the experience for both 
consumers and our brand partners. In this regard, 
the Group are currently fitting out a new 20,000 
sqft flagship Tessuti store in Liverpool with this 
store scheduled to open later in the summer.

Digital development is also a critical component 
for these premium fashion businesses with total 
revenues in the highly regarded Mainline Menswear 
business growing by more than 75% compared 
to pre-pandemic levels. This complements the 
performance in the Tessuti and Scotts multichannel 
businesses where the growth in store revenues has 
been accompanied by significant progression online 
with sales in the trading websites now representing 
approximately 45% of total sales compared to 
approximately 30% pre-pandemic.

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Elsewhere, the businesses also continue to 
make significant progress on their individual 
development opportunities:

 – JD/Finish Line (US): There were 87 stores 

trading as JD at the end of the period with 12 
new stores complementing the conversion of 
a further 26 former Finish Line stores. We are 
encouraged by the sales uplift that we have 
seen to date in these converted stores which 
is a fair reflection of consumers positive reaction 
to JD’s development in the United States and 
we will look to maintain this momentum with 
at least 50 new locations for JD, either as new 
stores or conversions of existing Finish Line 
stores, planned for the current financial year. 
Further, we recognise the role that the flagship 
store in Times Square has had in enhancing both 
JD’s profile and reputation with consumers and 
brand partners and it is our expectation that 
we will open our second JD flagship store in 
the United States in Chicago later this year. 
We also remain confident in the potential for 
JD to build a meaningful apparel business in 
the United States with the run-rate on apparel 
participation through the second half of the 
year at 17% (H2 2021: 14%). 

 – Shoe Palace (US): Shoe Palace has the support 
of the international brands to open additional 
stores focusing on the Spanish speaking 
communities on the West Coast and in the 
Southern states. During the year, one new 
store was open in its heartland state of California 
with two smaller stores closing. Shoe Palace 
continues to grow its apparel business which 
now represents more than 10% of total revenues 
(pre-acquisition: 6%). The business also 
continues to make significant investments in 
its operational infrastructure to ensure that it 
has the right platform from which to develop in 
the future with the fitting out of a new 511,000 
sqft warehouse in Morgan Hill, California, which 
has photovoltaic power generation capabilities, 
now substantially complete. We believe that 
these investments will assist in the longer-term 
development of the online business which 
currently only represents 4% of total revenues.

 – DTLR (US): DTLR also has the support of the 
international brands to open additional stores 
in future years focusing on its core markets 
in the neighbourhood districts of the major 
cities in the North and East of the United States. 
Five stores were opened after completion of 
the acquisition with eight smaller stores closed. 
DTLR has a higher mix of apparel in its revenues 
than our pre-existing Finish Line and Shoe 
Palace businesses in the United States, in the 
current year representing more than 30% of 
total sales (pre-acquisition: 25%). As with 
Shoe Palace, we believe that there is also an 
opportunity to develop a more meaningful 
online business in DTLR with online sales 
currently representing only 3% of total revenues.

36

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
GYMS

The lockdowns over the last two years have 
brought into sharper focus the physical and 
mental health benefits of regular exercise. 
We are confident that our market-leading, 
premium low-cost gyms proposition provides an 
environment and motivating atmosphere in which 
all participants can achieve their fitness goals. 

After opening a further six gyms in the period, the 
Group had 74 sites in the UK at the end of the year 
with 63 sites trading as JD, including 28 which 
formerly operated under the Xercise4less (‘X4L’) 
banner. A further 11 sites were still bannered as X4L 
at the period end. It is our expectation that the 
majority of these sites will be converted to JD and 
retained longer-term. The conversions from X4L, 
which see significant investment in the fabric of 
the gym and the installation of new equipment, 
have received a very positive reaction with average 
membership numbers across the 28 converted 
sites to date increasing by more than 20%. 

Consequent to the acquisition of GymNation 
in December 2021, the Group also now has an 
initial presence in the Middle East with seven 
gyms in the United Arab Emirates. Working  
with local management, we are targeting to 
open approximately four additional gyms in 
the new financial year.

Europe
Whilst there were some regionalised restrictions 
with regards to trading hours or customer capacity 
in the early weeks of the year, the Sprinter stores in 
Spain largely remained open throughout the period. 
The business delivered a robust performance with 
like-for-like revenues increasing by approximately 
20% relative to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a 
strong performance in key active sports categories 
with COVID-19 proving to be a catalyst for many 
consumers to increase their participation in sports 
and fitness. Our business’s expertise in these 
categories has been enhanced through the 
acquisitions of Deporvillage and Bodytone.

The Sport Zone stores in Portugal were closed 
throughout the first quarter and reopened in May. 
Once the stores were able to reopen, there was a 
robust performance through the rest of the year 
with like-for-like revenues in Portugal also increasing 
by approximately 20% relative to pre-pandemic levels.

The management team in Iberia has also now 
taken over the operational responsibility for 
the Aktiesport and Perry Sport fascias in the 
Netherlands. A trial has now commenced in the 
Netherlands with the conversion of a former Perry 
Sport in Rotterdam to the Sprinter fascia with an 
enhanced focus on key active sports categories 
such as running and cycling. The initial results of 
this trial have been encouraging and it is our 
intention to extend this trial into other stores 
in this financial year.

Elsewhere, the conversion of the Chausport 
stores to JD in France is ongoing with one store 
converted by 29 January 2022 and a further 
17 stores converted to date in the first four 
months of this financial year. 

North America
Macy’s has now notified us of its intention to 
extend the contract by five years to January 2028. 
It is our intention to retain the Finish Line name 
in these concession stores with a product offer 
which is more focused on families. The revised 
terms pertaining to the extension allow us to close 
a number of concessions over the term, although 
the improved performance of these concessions 
and, consequently, our enhanced confidence in 
this part of the business is reflected by the fact 
that only one concession was actually closed 
in the year.

37

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022BUSINESS & FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

OUTDOOR

Our Outdoor businesses had a much improved 
year with an elevated demand for holidays in the 
UK and a general recognition of the physical and 
mental health benefits of spending time outdoors 
combining to drive a strong demand for outdoor 
living and cycling categories in particular. 
Whilst we are encouraged by our performance in 
the year, we recognise that international holidays 
are once again more widely available as the UK 
emerges out of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 
we are confident that people will look to maintain 
a more active lifestyle and that the welcoming 
and engaging atmosphere in all of our stores will 
continue to inspire people to spend time outdoors. 
Further, we recognise that our businesses did not 
achieve their full potential in the year, with supply 
chain delays negatively impacting the performance 
of certain seasonal categories combined with 
insufficient global production capacity to meet 
current strong demand for bikes and cycling 
related accessories.

We continue to invest in all of our fascias with one 
new Go Outdoors store in Bangor in the year and 
the relocation of the stores in Stoke and Colchester. 
Furthermore, we are enhancing the consumer 
experience by having dedicated concessions 
delivering expertise in key categories such as 
fishing, equestrian and cycling. To date, we 
have opened 30 Fishing Republic concessions 
and four Naylors equestrian concessions. More  
recently, we also opened our first two Wheelbase 
cycling concessions. The Go Outdoors stores in 
Coventry and Stockton, which have been refurbished 
in the new premium style, contain all three of these 
concessions. Elsewhere, our commitment to cycling 
in Scotland is reflected in the fact that we have 
relocated our specialist Alpine Bikes store in 
Edinburgh with a new store in Aberdeen also 
scheduled to open later in the year.

38

FINANCIAL 
PERFORMANCE

s p o r t s   f a s h i o n
The fundamental strength of our businesses is 
reflected in the fact that, despite the challenges 
of further temporary store closures in many 
markets, we are able to report a record result 
in Sports Fashion for the year with a profit 
before tax and exceptional items* of 
£928.3 million (2021: £433.5 million).

This result was heavily influenced by very positive 
performances from the retail fascias in both the 
UK and Republic of Ireland and North America. 
The UK and Republic of Ireland was the most 
profitable territory with a record profit before tax 
and exceptional items across the combined retail 
fascias of £471.2 million (2021: £262.7 million). 
The retail fascias in North America, which benefitted 
very significantly from the strong demand in the 
United States from the Federal fiscal stimulus, also 
delivered a record result with a combined profit 
before tax and exceptional items of £343.0 million 
(2021: £171.9 million).

Overall gross margins increased within Sports 
Fashion by 1.1% to 49.5% (2021: 48.4%). This is 
largely due to a stronger margin in the United 
States with the strong demand resulting in lower 
levels of promotional activity in the overall market 
compared to previous years. 

After recognising exceptional items in the period 
of £292.5 million (2021: £76.9 million) principally 
relating to a net increase in the fair value of the 
liabilities in respect of the Group’s various future 
put options combined with costs associated with 
a restructuring of the Chausport business in 
France, the profit before tax in Sports Fashion 
was £635.8 million (2021: £356.6 million).

o u t d o o r
The positive progress in the Outdoor businesses 
is reflected in the fact that, even though the majority 
of stores were closed through the first quarter, there 
were record revenues in Outdoor in the year with 
total sales of £513.4 million (2021: £359.3 million). 
Further, our businesses are also now benefitting 
from the previous work to enhance the operational 
integration of the businesses through common 
merchandising systems and shared commercial 
resources with overall gross margins increasing 
by 1.7% to 43.9% (2021: 42.2%).

The combination of revenue and margin 
progression meant that Outdoor returned to 
profitability in the period delivering a profit before 
exceptional items of £25.9 million (2021: loss of 
£6.1 million). There were no exceptional items in 
the period (2021: charge of £20.4 million) which 
means that the profit before tax in Outdoor was 
also £25.9 million (2021: loss of £26.5 million).

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022r e v e n u e   & 
g r o s s   m a r g i n
Whilst there were further periods of temporary 
store closures in many markets, the financial impact 
of COVID-19 was less severe than the prior year with 
stores in some markets, including the United States, 
largely trading free from restrictions throughout 
the year. Ultimately, total revenue for the Group for 
the year increased by 38.8% to £8,563.0 million 
(2021: £6,167.3 million) with this increase significantly 
influenced by the impact of the recent acquisitions:

 – Shoe Palace (completed 14 December 2020): 

Revenues of £389.8 million for the full 
year (2021: £56.1 million for the six week period 
post-acquisition).

 – DTLR (completed 17 March 2021): Revenues of 

£382.8 million for the 46 weeks post-acquisition.

 – MIG (completed 30 April 2021): Revenues of 

£175.0 million for the 39 weeks post-acquisition.

 – Deporvillage (completed 3 August 2021): 

Revenues of £67.8 million for the 26 weeks 
post-acquisition.

 – Cosmos (completed 21 October 2021): Revenues 
of £26.0 million for the 14 weeks post-acquisition.

Elsewhere, the impact of the fiscal stimulus in the 
United States is reflected in the fact that revenues 
in the Group’s pre-existing Finish Line business 
increased by £99.9 million to £1,804.2 million 
(2021: £1,704.3 million). There was also a very 
robust performance from the JD business in 
the UK and Republic of Ireland where revenues 
increased by £508.0 million to £2,318.1 million (2021:  
£1,810.1 million). Given the temporary closure periods 
in both this year and the prior year, it would not be 
meaningful to present sales on a like-for-like basis.

Total gross margin for the year increased 
strongly to 49.1% (2021: 48.0%) largely due 
to a stronger margin in the United States where 
gross margins increased significantly to 49.8% 

(2021: 46.7%) with strong demand consequent 
to the Federal fiscal stimulus driving lower levels 
of promotional activity in the overall market 
compared to previous years.

p r o f i t   b e f o r e   t a x
There was a record result for the year with profit 
before tax and exceptional items increasing to 
£947.2 million (2021: £421.3 million). The recent 
acquisitions in North America made a significant 
contribution to this result:

 – Shoe Palace (completed 14 December 2020): Profit 
before tax and exceptional items of £57.3 million for 
the full year (2021: £13.9 million for the six week 
period post-acquisition).

 – DTLR (completed 17 March 2021): Profit before 
tax and exceptional items of £50.6 million for 
the 46 weeks post-acquisition.

Elsewhere in North America, Finish Line (including 
the Macy’s concessions) increased its profit before 
tax and exceptional items for the year by more than 
51% to £236.0 million (2021: £156.6 million). Further, 
the premium sports JD business in the UK and 
Republic of Ireland delivered a record result for the 
year with a profit before tax and exceptional items 
of £437.3 million (2021: £249.6 million).

Total operating costs in the year before exceptional 
items of £292.5 million (2021: £97.3 million) were 
£3,221.5 million which represented 37.6% of net 
revenues (2021: £2,507.6 million being 40.7% of 
net revenues). 

There were exceptional items in the period of 
£292.5 million (2021: £97.3 million) principally from 
the movement in the fair value of the liabilities in 
respect of future put options:

Group profit before tax ultimately increased to 
£654.7 million (2021: £324.0 million). 

Movement in fair value of put options(1)

Insurance settlement for DTLR(2)

Restructuring of Spodis SA(3)

Impairment of goodwill and fascia names(4)

Restructuring of Go Outdoors(5)

Administrative expenses – exceptional 

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

292.7

(16.6)

16.4

–

–

292.5

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

20.7

–

–

56.2

20.4

97.3

(1)  

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

 Movement in the fair value of the liabilities in respect of the put options as re-measured at each reporting date (see Note 22) 
(Genesis Topco Inc: charge of £258.7 million, Iberian Sports Retail Group: charge of £31.6 million, Marketing Investment Group S.A: 
charge of £1.7 million, Other: charge of £0.7 million). The increase in the fair value of the put options attributable to Genesis Topco 
Inc. includes £71.0 million consequent to the transfer of DTLR into the Genesis sub-group. The movement in the fair value of the put 
option liabilities is presented as exceptional as it is a significant item that is outside of the normal course of business.
 Insurance settlement proceeds related to a pre-acquisition claim for business interruption by DTLR Villa LLC. As the claim was 
a contingent asset at the date of acquisition, this was not recognised in the assets acquired in the fair value table in Note 11. 
These insurance proceeds are presented as exceptional as they are unusual in nature and are outside of the normal course of business.
 The impact consequent to the restructuring of Spodis SA in the period including a charge of £5.5 million in relation to the 
impairment of tangible assets and business restructuring costs of £10.9 million. This item is presented as exceptional as it related 
to a non-recurring restructuring project.
 The impairment in the prior period primarily relates to the impairment of goodwill and fascia name arising in prior years on the 
acquisition of Footasylum (£55.6 million). The impairment is presented as exceptional as it is a significant item that is outside of 
the normal course of business.
 The net impact consequent to the restructuring of Go Outdoors in the prior period including a charge of £33.3 million in relation to 
the impairment of intangible assets, a charge of £4.9 million in relation to the impairment of leasehold improvements and a credit 
of £17.8 million in relation to the extinguishment of lease commitments. This item is presented as exceptional as it related to a 
non-recurring restructuring project.

39

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022f o r e i g n   e x c h a n g e
The Group has two principal foreign 
exchange exposures:

1.    The sourcing of private label merchandise 
from either the Far East or Indian sub-
continent which usually has to be paid for 
in US Dollars. A buying rate is set at the start 
of the buying season (typically six to nine 
months before product is delivered to stores). 
At this point, the Group aims to protect the 
anticipated US Dollar requirement at rates at, 
or above, the buying rate through appropriate 
foreign exchange instruments. The Group’s 
forecast requirement for US Dollars in the 
period to January 2023 is now $320 million. 
Cover is in place for $243.5 million meaning 
that the Group is currently exposed on 
exchange rate movements for $76.5 million 
of the current year’s estimated requirement.

2.   The Group is also exposed to the movement 
in the rate of the Euro from the sale of its UK 
sourced stocks to its subsidiaries in Europe. 
Our European supply chain strategy has 
reduced the exposure in 2021/22 and will 
continue to reduce the Sterling/Euro exposure 
going forward as the European Distribution 
Centres increasingly source the goods in 
Euros and create a natural hedge. Surplus  
Euros are also used to fund the international 
store developments across Europe thus 
alleviating the need for local third-party 
financing. The anticipated surplus over and 
above the planned investment levels in the 
period to January 2023, pre any potential 
acquisition activity to be funded in Euros, 
is €400 million. Hedging contracts are in 
place to sell €331.0 million meaning that 
the Group is currently exposed on exchange 
rate movements for €69.0 million of the 
current year’s estimated surplus.

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

b a l a n c e   s h e e t
The net cash balance at the end of the period 
was £1,185.9 million (2021: £795.4 million). This  
net cash position reflects both the very strong 
cash generation in the United States and the 
UK consequent to the strong trading in these 
countries through the first half and the net 
proceeds, after costs, of £455.9 million from 
the placing of 58,393,989 new ordinary shares 
on 3 February 2021. These shares were issued 
prior to the 5:1 split of the ordinary shares on 
30 November 2021. The Group continues to use 
its very strong cash resources to fund its development 
opportunities with cash consideration paid on 
completed acquisitions in the year (net of cash 
acquired) of £616.5 million (2021: £206.3 million).

Net inventories at the end of the period were 
£989.4 million (2021: £813.7 million) which includes 
£206.9 million of inventories in businesses which 
have been acquired since 30 January 2021. 
Period end inventories in the combined Finish 
Line and JD business in the United States of 
$149.1 million were approximately 11% lower than 
the previous year (2021: $167.7 million) reflecting 
both the strong demand in the period and the 
gradual tightening of supply consequent 
to the well-publicised production issues that 
some brands experienced at their factories 
in Asia in the second half of the year.

Gross capital expenditure* (excluding 
disposal costs) increased to £247.9 million 
(2021: £128.2 million) with fewer restrictions 
on construction activity, including the fitting 
out of stores. The primary focus of our capital 
expenditure remains our physical retail fascias 
with a spend in the period of £124.0 million 
(2021: £73.5 million) which includes £48.7 million 
(2021: £21.0 million) across our combined retail 
fascias in North America. Given the increased 
global footprint of the Group and the relaxation 
of COVID-19 related operating restrictions in 
many countries, the Group expects to significantly 
increase its investment in physical retail in the 
new financial year. In addition, there will also 
be significant spend on the new warehouses 
at Derby and Heerlen and so, consequently, 
we would currently anticipate that the capital 
expenditure for the year to 28 January 2023 will 
be in the range of £325 million to £375 million.

Intangible assets increased by £653.9 million to 
£1,473.6 million (2021: £819.7 million) consequent 
to the recognition of intangible assets arising from 
the acquisitions made in the year (see Note 11).

40

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022d i v i d e n d s 
a n d   e a r n i n g s 
p e r   s h a r e
The Board is cognisant that the Group has delivered 
an excellent result for the year and that the Group’s 
international operations, particularly those in the 
United States, have made a very significant 
contribution to this profitability. Further, the Board 
recognise that most countries where the Group 
operates have eased their trading restrictions and 
have also begun to reopen their borders to allow 
international tourism to recommence. After careful 
consideration, the Board has decided that it is 
appropriate to pay a dividend and that, whilst the 
payment should be modest with funding retained 
for our ongoing development opportunities, it 
should reflect the performance over the full year. 
Accordingly, the Board proposes paying a final 
dividend of 0.35p (2021: 0.29p restated) per 
ordinary share. Subject to shareholder approval at 
our AGM, the proposed final dividend will be paid 
on 5 August 2022 to all shareholders on the register 
at 8 July 2022.

The basic earnings per ordinary share increased 
by 55.5% to 7.17p (2021: 4.61p restated).

Neil Greenhalgh
Chief Financial Officer

22 June 2022

t a x a t i o n
The Group takes a responsible approach 
to the management of taxes and aims to 
work transparently and collaboratively with 
all stakeholders. 

The Group is committed to paying the right 
amount of tax, in the right place, at the right 
time. It recognises the importance of respecting 
the spirit and letter of the law including allocating 
value by reference to where it is created, managing 
it within the normal course of commercial activity and 
paying the associated tax.

When structuring commercial activities, consideration 
is given, along with other factors, to the prevailing 
tax laws in the relevant jurisdiction.

Intra-group transactions are conducted on an arm’s 
length basis and comply with the obligations of the 
transfer pricing rules in the jurisdictions where it 
operates and under global transfer pricing principles.

Where there is uncertainty or complexity 
in relation to how the tax legislation is to be 
applied, advice will be sought from external 
advisors and discussed with the relevant tax 
authority, where appropriate.

The tax the Group pays reflects the underlying 
commercial transactions across its global business. 

The UK mainstream corporation tax rate for the 
financial year was 19%, however the effective rate 
of tax on profit from continuing operations for the 
Group is 29.8% which is higher than the previous 
period (2021: 29.1%). The increase above the UK 
mainstream rate is mainly due to a further non-
deductible put option charge in the current year 
of 8.5% (2021: 1.2%) and the proportion of Group 
profits that have arisen in jurisdictions that have a 
higher rate of corporation tax than that of the UK, 
in particular the US. 

Excluding both exceptional items (being the put 
options) and prior year adjustments, the adjusted 
effective tax rate* from continuing activities in the 
financial year has decreased from 28.2% to 23.1%. 
This adjusted effective rate continues to be above 
the UK mainstream rate primarily due to the impact 
of higher overseas corporation tax rates (4.4%). 

The increase in the UK mainstream corporation 
tax rate to 25% in April 2023 is expected to have 
a c.3% impact of the Group’s effective tax rate. 
Due to the current status of the ‘Build Back Better 
Act’, the US Federal rate of tax is expected to remain 
at 21% and therefore will have no further impact 
on the Group’s effective rate in the short term.

41

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

(terms listed in alphabetical order)
(terms listed in alphabetical order)

The Directors measure the performance of the Group based on a range of financial measures, including measures not recognised 
by International Accounting Standards (‘IAS’) in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance 
with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. These alternative performance measures may not be directly comparable 
with other companies’ alternative performance measures and the Directors do not intend these to be a substitute for, or superior 
to, IFRS measures. The Directors believe that these alternative performance measures assist in providing additional useful 
information on the trading performance of the Group.

Alternative performance measures are also used to enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods, by 
adjusting for exceptional items. Exceptional items are disclosed separately when they are considered unusual in nature and 
not reflective of the trading performance and profitability of the Group. The separate reporting of exceptional items, which 
are presented as exceptional within the relevant category in the Consolidated Income Statement, helps provide an indication 
of the Group’s trading performance. An explanation as to why items have been classified as exceptional is given in Note 4.

a d j u s t e d   e a r n i n g s   p e r   o r d i n a r y   s h a r e 
b e f o r e   e x c e p t i o n a l s
The calculation of basic earnings per share is detailed in Note 10. Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share has been based on 
the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent for each financial period but excluding the post-tax effect 
of certain exceptional items. A reconciliation between basic earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share is shown below:

Basic earnings per share

Exceptional items 

Tax relating to exceptional items

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share

2022

7.17p

5.66p

0.01p

12.84p

2021 
(restated)

4.61p

2.00p

(0.17p)

6.44p

a d j u s t e d   e f f e c t i v e   r a t e   o f   t a x a t i o n
As a UK-based Group with subsidiaries in 32 territories worldwide as at 29 January 2022, we have presented a reconciliation 
between the UK main rate of corporation tax and the effective rate (excluding exceptional items and prior year adjustments). 
This is to provide further clarity for the users as the information is not easily identifiable from the financial statements:

UK main rate of corporation tax

Depreciation and impairment of non-qualifying non-current assets

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

Expenses not deductible and income not taxable

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses/movement in deferred tax assets

Other

Adjusted effective rate of taxation

g r o s s   c a p i t a l   e x p e n d i t u r e
Gross capital expenditure is used to provide a total of all spend of a capital nature in the financial year.

Investment in software (Note 12)

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (Note 13)

Acquisition of non-current other assets (Note 16)

Total gross capital expenditure

2022
%

19.0

0.5

1.6

0.6

(0.9)

2.3

23.1

2022
£m

14.9

227.3

5.7

247.9

2021
%

19.0

1.1

2.0

1.7

1.8

2.6

28.2

2021
£m

19.1

105.2

3.9

128.2

l f l   ( l i k e - f o r - l i k e )   s a l e s
The percentage change in the year-on-year sales, removing the impact of new store openings and closures in the current 
or previous financial year. This metric enables the performance of the retail stores to be measured on a consistent year-on-year 
basis and is a common term used in the retail industry.

42

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022n e t   c a s h / ( d e b t )
Net cash/(debt) consists of cash and cash equivalents together with interest-bearing loans and borrowings. This measure 
is a good indication of the strength of the Group’s Balance Sheet position and is widely used by credit rating agencies. 
A reconciliation of net cash / (debt) is provided in Note 30.

o p e r a t i n g   p r o f i t   b e f o r e   e x c e p t i o n a l   i t e m s
A reconciliation between operating profit and exceptional items can be found in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

p r o f i t   b e f o r e   t a x   a n d   e x c e p t i o n a l   i t e m s
Profit before tax and exceptional items is used as a measure of in-year performance associated with bonus financial metrics. 
Further details are provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 114 to 130. A reconciliation between profit before 
tax and profit before tax and exceptional items is as follows:

Profit before tax

Exceptional items 

Profit before tax and exceptional items

2022
£m

654.7

292.5

947.2

2021
£m

324.0

97.3

421.3

p r o f o r m a   i a s   1 7
Pre-IFRS 16 profit is consistent with the financial information used to inform business decisions and investment appraisals. 
Certain management incentives are also linked to the results on this basis (see Directors Remuneration Report on page 122. 
A reconciliation from the IFRS 16 headline profit before tax and exceptional items to the proforma IAS 17 headline profit 
before tax and exceptional items is as follows:

Profit before tax and exceptional items (IFRS 16)

Add back: 

Depreciation and impairment of the right-of-use asset under IFRS 16 (Note 14)

Lease interest expense (Note 14)

Deduct:

Lease costs expensed to the income statement under IAS 17

Headline profit before tax and exceptional items (Proforma IAS 17)

2022
£m

947.2

361.3

59.5

2021
£m

421.3

324.8

54.9

(410.1)

957.9

(340.9)

460.1

s e g m e n t a l   p r o f i t   b e f o r e   t a x 
a n d   e x c e p t i o n a l   i t e m s
A reconciliation between profit before tax and profit before tax and exceptional items for each segment is as follows:

Sports Fashion

Profit before tax

Exceptional items 

Profit before tax and exceptional items – Sports Fashion

Outdoor

Profit/(loss) before tax

Exceptional items 

Profit/(loss) before tax and exceptional items – Outdoor

2022
£m

635.8

292.5

928.3

2022
£m

25.9

–

25.9

2021
£m

356.6

76.9

433.5

2021
£m

(26.5)

20.4

(6.1)

43

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022P R O P E R T Y   A N D   S T O R E S   R E V I E W

OVERVIEW

SPORTS FASHION

JD UK and ROI

The retail landscape has seen significant changes 
in recent years with a high volume of retail units 
becoming vacant consequent to a number of 
insolvencies. Additionally, there could be a further 
shift of revenue from bricks and mortar stores to 
e-commerce as consumer preferences change over time. 

The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated this shift 
in consumer preferences. Whilst the stores have been 
closed during periods of lockdown, consumers have readily 
switched to online channels reflecting the benefits of the 
agile omnichannel approach that the Group has developed 
over a number of years. Whilst it is inevitable that some 
consumers have permanently changed their behaviour and 
shopping preferences as a result of COVID-19, we do not 
believe that bricks and mortar stores have lost their relevance 
to the majority of customers who like the flexibility that 
comes from operating stores in tandem with a strong online 
offer. Stores give a platform to showcase product, allow 
consumers to physically see and try the product immediately, 
and provide the operational flexibility and agility to offer an 
enhanced speed of service for online orders. It should also 
be recognised that stores provide people with an opportunity 
to interact socially with friends and families in a way that 
has not been possible for large parts of the last two years.

We will continue to invest in property with a focus on the 
international expansion of the JD fascia. We are confident 
that the powerful combination of increasing international 
reach, consistency of premium proposition across our 
territories and strengths in consumer connection remain 
attractive to the major international landlords and 
property agents.

k e y   h i g h l i g h t s 
d u r i n g   t h e 
f i n a n c i a l   y e a r :

 – Number of stores increased to 3,402 at the financial 
year end (2021: 2,636 stores) across 32 territories 
(2021: 20 territories).

 – Increased presence in the US, the largest sportswear 

market in the world, through both the continued 
development of the JD fascia and via the acquisition 
of DTLR, which enhances the Group’s exposure to 
key consumer demographics in the highly important 
East Coast market in the United States.

 – JD expansion into four new territories (Canada, Poland, 

Romania and New Zealand).

 – Commenced a major programme to enhance the 

logistics network across the UK and Western Europe.

44

OUTDOOR

Blacks

Stores:
55
Millets

000 Sq Ft:

-2 198

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
– 195
93
Ultimate Outdoors

-6

–

+104

+170

Stores:
414
JD Europe

000 Sq Ft:

+14 1,773

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
369
JD Asia Pacific

+34 1,117

Stores:
79
JD US

000 Sq Ft:

+10 316

+25

Stores:
3
Tiso

000 Sq Ft:

-2 33

-80

Stores:
13
Go Outdoors

000 Sq Ft:

– 100

+7

000 Sq Ft:

-1 1,812

-68

Stores:
65
Go Fishing

Stores:
3
Naylors

000 Sq Ft:

– 23

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
3
Leisure Lakes

– 25

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
10
Wheelbase 

+10 45

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
+3 14
3
Total – Outdoors

Stores:

248

+8

000 Sq Ft:

2,445

-80

8

–

+45

+14

Stores:
87
JD Canada

000 Sq Ft:

+38 354

Stores:
2
Size?

Stores:
31

000 Sq Ft:

+2 7

000 Sq Ft:

-2 46

Sub total – JD and Size?

000 Sq Ft:

3,613

+454

Stores:

982

+96

Other UK

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
151
Other Europe (i)

-3 503

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
889
Finish Line (own)

+458 3,648

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
427
Finish Line (Macy’s)

-37 1,394

Stores:
289
Livestock

000 Sq Ft:

-1 273

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
– 8
4
Shoe Palace (ii)

Stores:
166
DTLR Villa

000 Sq Ft:

-1 489

+150

+7

-2

-1

+787

-170

-8

–

-2

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
244 +244 904
Other Asia Pacific

+904

000 Sq Ft:

Stores:
2
Total – Sports Fashion

+2 1

Stores:

3,154

+758

000 Sq Ft:

10,833

+1,965

(i)  

+1

(ii) 

(iii) 

 Chausport (France), Sprinter 
(Spain & the Canary Islands), 
Sport Zone (Portugal), 
Perry Sport/Aktiesport 
(the Netherlands), MIG 
(Central & Eastern Europe) and 
Cosmos (Greece & Cyprus).
 Includes four stores trading 
as Nice Kicks.
 The +/- figures show 
the movement in the financial 
year ended 29 January 2022.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022International expansion – new territories
Our recent acquisitions and joint venture 
partnerships have provided the platform to 
develop the JD fascia and expand into four 
new territories during the financial year with 
our first stores opening in Canada, Poland, 
Romania and New Zealand. We will continue 
to leverage the expertise and experience of the 
existing management teams and infrastructure 
to facilitate the future global expansion of JD. 

In 2022/23, we plan to open additional stores 
in these four territories and expand further into 
new territories in Central and Eastern Europe. 
We are also working with our joint venture 
partners further afield, with the first JD store in 
Jakarta, Indonesia opening in the first few weeks 
of 2022/23. This was followed more recently by 
the opening of the first stores in Israel at Ben 
Gurion Airport and Rishon LeZion. 

o t h e r   s p o r t s 
f a s h i o n   f a s c i a s
UK & ROI
Our other Sports Fashion fascias further elevate 
our overall offer with the principal fascias being:

 – Tessuti, Scotts, Choice and Giulio. 

These businesses work together to deliver 
a consistent proposition in the premium 
apparel and footwear sector. 

 – Base Childrenswear and Kids Cavern 

targeting the premium childrenswear market. 
 – HIP Store, Oi Polloi and Wellgosh continue to 

bring together an eclectic mix of domestic and 
international labels including emerging talent 
and globally-established brands. 

Across these fascias operating in the UK and ROI 
(excluding Footasylum), there were 86 stores 
in total at the end of the year (2021: 86 stores). 
The overall footprint of these stores marginally 
increased from 260,000 sqft to 262,000 sqft as 
we continued to exit smaller stores in secondary 
markets and focus our activity on larger space 
stores in premium centres where we can showcase 
the full range of the premium fashion offer. 

t e s s u t i
Tessuti is a leading retailer of premium, 
branded fashion for men, women and 
juniors, combining an elevated in-store 
concept and a seamless online experience. 
Tessuti has established itself as a unique 
consumer destination with ever-growing 
appeal across the UK.

SPORTS FASHION

j d
JD is a world-class retail fascia with an elevated 
multichannel proposition. A unique and constantly 
evolving sports and fashion premium brand offer is 
presented in a vibrant retail theatre with innovative 
digital technology. 

UK & ROI
During the year, there was a net increase of 14 
JD stores across the UK and ROI. Ensuring that 
we remain in positions with the highest footfall 
and have sufficient space to present our full 
footwear and apparel offer in major markets 
remains a key strategy. 

Several larger format stores opened during 
the financial year including Westfield (Stratford) 
and Castle Place (Belfast) with these stores 
setting new standards in visual merchandising, 
retail theatre and digital integration to enhance 
the consumers’ in-store retail experience.

International expansion – existing territories
We have continued to focus on the international 
growth of the JD fascia with a net 84 stores 
opening in our existing international territories 
during the financial year. The pace at which we 
have opened new stores has been slower than 
in previous years due to the impact of ongoing 
restrictions on construction and fit out works 
in certain markets as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic. The key highlights to note are:

 – 40 new JD stores opened across existing 

territories in Western Europe. 

 – 12 new JD stores in the Asia Pacific region 

with two new stores in Thailand and 10 new 
stores in Australia as we strengthen our 
presence in the key cities of Sydney, 
Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.

 – 87 stores now trading as JD in the United States.

The United States is becoming an increasingly 
important territory for the Group with progression 
and evolution in this country having a major impact 
both on the Group’s overall performance and, 
importantly, its standing with the international 
brands. We are encouraged by the sales and 
margin uplift that we have seen to date on the 
conversions from Finish Line to JD and we 
currently plan to convert approximately 50 
further stores in 2022/23.

40

new JD stores 
opened across 
existing territories 
in Western Europe

12

new JD stores in 
the Asia Pacific 
region

87 

stores now  
trading as JD in  
the United States

45

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022PROPERTY AND STORES REVIEW CONTINUED
PROPERTY AND STORES REVIEW CONTINUED
PROPERTY AND STORES REVIEW CONTINUED

INTERNATIONAL  
EXPANSION

ACQUISITIONS

The Group has continued to expand  
its property and fascia portfolio  
during the financial year with several 
significant international acquisitions:

MIG

c e n t r a l   a n d 
e a s t e r n   e u r o p e

Based in Krakow, Poland, MIG had 410 stores at 
acquisition trading principally as either Sizeer, which 
is a premium multi-branded fascia not too dissimilar 
to JD, or 50 Style, which is a multi-branded volume 
retail concept with lower price points. Whilst the 
majority of the stores are located in Poland, the 
Company has also been expanding its reach beyond 
Poland in recent years and, at acquisition, had stores 
in a total of nine countries across Central and Eastern 
Europe. Since completion, Sizeer has further expanded 
its store base with additional new stores in Bulgaria 
and Romania.

46

410

stores at 
acquisition

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022COSMOS

g r e e c e / c y p r u s

Operating from 58 stores in Greece and three in 
Cyprus at acquisition, Cosmos trades under a 
variety of retail banners and associated trading 
websites with the principal ones being Cosmos 
which is the core fascia of the business and 
has an elevated sporting goods/lifestyle 
proposition and Sneaker 10 which has a 
more premium footwear offer. 

61

stores

u s 
e x p a n s i o n
The Group has increased its presence in 
the US further in 2021/22 through both 
the continued development of the JD 
fascia and via the acquisition of DTLR.

247

stores at 
acquisition

47

DTLR

u s

Based in Baltimore, DTLR is our third acquisition 
in the United States. At acquisition, the business 
had 247 stores trading primarily as DTLR across 
19 states. DTLR, which retails both premium 
athletic footwear and apparel, is principally 
located in urban areas across the North and 
East of the United States. 

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022PROPERTY AND STORES REVIEW CONTINUED
PROPERTY AND STORES REVIEW CONTINUED

i n t e r n a t i o n a l   – 
m a t u r e   f a s c i a s
Size? 
Size? has a global reputation for supplying the 
finest products from the best brands in footwear, 
apparel and accessories with stores and dedicated 
local websites in 10 countries. Size? is a truly 
multichannel business with a focus on developing 
flagship stores in key cities to showcase the full 
offer and provide the full digital experience to 
both consumers and our third party brand 
partners. These stores also then generate an 
excitement and hype with consumers beyond 
their physical walls with the websites contributing 
more than 50% of overall revenues. 

Elsewhere, the focus on developing larger stores 
in key locations is reflected in the closure of three 
small stores across the UK and Europe. 

Sprinter and Sport Zone
The Group’s subsidiary, Iberian Sports Retail 
Group (‘ISRG’), is a leading operator in the 
sporting goods market across Iberia through its 
Sprinter and Sport Zone fascias. During the year, 
13 stores opened under the Sprinter fascia which 
included an elevated flagship store at Parquesur, 
Madrid. The average size of the new stores in the 
year was 6,400 sqft which is considered to be the 
most effective trading space for the core offer 
focusing on active sport participation. We will 
continue to invest in the physical and online 
channels to ensure a robust platform for future 
growth across Iberia.

In November 2021, ISRG opened its first Sprinter 
store in the Netherlands by rebranding an existing 
Group store from the Perry Sport portfolio in 
Amsterdam. The initial results have been encouraging 
and it is our intention to extend this trial into other 
stores in 2022/23. The trial will provide us with 
significant learnings for the potential future 
development of the Sprinter format not only in 
the Netherlands but also, potentially, in other 
European territories.

Perry Sport and Aktiesport
Aktiesport is the largest sports retail business in 
the Netherlands with a focus on selling football 
and lifestyle goods from major international 
brands such as Nike, adidas, Under Armour 
and FILA. Perry Sport is a sports and adventure 
retailer with a focus on functional sports, sports 
lifestyle and adventure simultaneously. The Group 
remains committed to maintaining a sizeable 
business in the Netherlands which, depending on 
the performance of the trial store in Amsterdam, 

48

s i z e ?

During the period, the Group has 
focused on developing our Size? 
fascia in Canada with a new store 
on Queen Street West in Toronto, 
complemented by the launch of the 
Size? trading website in the country. 
The Group is planning to open its 
second Canadian store in Vancouver 
in 2022/23. 

may involve the conversion of additional stores to 
the Sprinter format. However, we will also continue 
to take action where it is necessary to ‘right-size’ 
the store portfolio, closing 12 stores in the year and 
transferring two stores to existing Group fascias. 

Chausport
Chausport operates throughout France retailing 
leading international footwear brands such as 
adidas, Nike and Timberland to a more family 
focused customer. The Group has concluded 
that its performance in France will be improved 
by focusing solely on the development of JD. 
The Group has reviewed the Chausport portfolio 
and has determined that approximately 30 stores 
are appropriate in location and size to trade as JD. 
These stores will be converted to JD progressively 
over the next two years. The remaining stores 
will close as the leases expire with 16 smaller 
underperforming stores closed in the year. 

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022g y m s
JD Gyms offers “seriously stylish, seriously 
affordable, award winning facilities” across 63 
prime locations and plays host to a bespoke mix of 
industry leading fitness equipment and an exciting 
range of fitness classes. The 63 sites include 28 
sites which previously operated as Xercise4Less 
(a business the Group acquired out of administration 
in 2020). A further 11 gyms were still branded as 
Xercise4Less at the year-end as we continue to 
review the long-term viability of these sites. We are 
optimistic that we will return to previous levels 
of activity in the new financial year with at least 
10 further JD clubs opening in the UK in 2022/23.

In December 2021, JD Gyms made its first 
move outside of the UK with the acquisition 
of GymNation (see Note 11) which is a chain of 
seven gyms in the United Arab Emirates (‘UAE’). 
GymNation, which operates from large facilities 
with an average footprint of 30,000 sqft, has an 
ethos which is very much aligned with JD Gyms 
with a premium look and feel and a digital-first 
approach. Given the high consumer regard for the 
GymNation proposition, there are no plans, at this 
stage, to rebrand the acquired gyms to JD Gyms.

74

UK Gyms 

10+

new JD Gyms 
planned for 
2022/23

7 

Gyms acquired in 
the UAE in 2021/22

g y m n a t i o n

GymNation is the Group’s first acquisition 
of gyms outside of the UK, currently 
operating seven sites in the UAE.

u s   f a s c i a s 
(Finish Line, Shoe Palace & Nice Kicks and DTLR)
DTLR is our third acquisition in the United States 
following the acquisitions of Finish Line in 2018 
and Shoe Palace in 2020 bringing the total number 
of stores and concessions operating under these 
banners in the US to 1,126 at the financial year end 
(2021: 921). It is our current intention to maintain 
both Shoe Palace and DTLR as independent 
fascias as they both have their own unique DNA 
which comes from their retail style and the rich 
connection with their consumer base. There has 
been minimal movement on the DTLR and Shoe 
Palace store portfolios in the period since 
acquisition although both businesses have the 
support of the international brands to open 
additional stores, with DTLR focusing on its 
core markets of the North and East of the 
United States and Shoe Palace targeting the 
West Coast and the Southern border states. 

We remain encouraged by the positive reaction 
by consumers and the international brands to the 
development of JD in the United States. During the 
year, we opened 12 new JD stores and converted 
a further 26 stores which formerly traded as Finish 
Line. It is our intention to continue the programme 
of converting Finish Line stores to JD in appropriate 
locations with approximately 50 further conversions 
planned for the new financial year. Elsewhere, 11 
Finish Line stores were closed in the year although 
this included four malls where JD simultaneously 
opened a new store in a more appropriate location.

Longer term, the Finish Line fascia will increasingly 
become focused in the Macy’s concessions mainly 
targeting female and family-oriented consumers. 
The performance of these concessions has 
improved significantly since our original acquisition 
of Finish Line in June 2018 and, consequently, only 
one concession was closed in the year.

Our teams in the United States have now 
commenced a wide-ranging project to enhance 
our collective operational effectiveness and further 
enhance the consumer experience in the United 
States by operating collaboratively in certain areas. 

49

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022PROPERTY AND STORES REVIEW CONTINUED
PROPERTY AND STORES REVIEW CONTINUED

l o g i s t i c s 
d e v e l o p m e n t s
There is significant ongoing investment to broaden 
the international network to service a complex 
international multichannel business with multiple 
fascias. The Group is also investing in technically 
advanced automation equipment and robotics 
to strengthen the operational foundations of our 
businesses and ensure that the Group remains 
a leader in multichannel developments. 

UK and Republic of Ireland
Construction works on the new 515,000 sqft facility 
in Derby which will be used exclusively to fulfil online 
orders for JD in the UK are now complete, with initial 
fit out of the site ongoing. This will allow limited 
fulfilment from the site to commence ahead of the 
peak period later this year although it will be mid-2023 
before the site is fully operational. Approximately 
£10 million was incurred on this project in the year 
with approximately £80 million to be incurred over 
the next 18 months to bring the site into full 
operational use.

To bridge the capacity gap ahead of Derby opening, 
the Group engaged Clipper Logistics Plc in the year 
to provide a range of logistics operations, including 
warehousing and e-fulfilment, on a temporary 
basis from their site at Sherburn, Leeds. More than 
1.8 million units were shipped from this site in the 
five weeks leading up to Christmas. 

Elsewhere, our new 65,000 sqft warehouse near 
Dublin is also now fully operational, supplying both 
product to stores and fulfilling online orders in the 
Republic of Ireland.

Western Europe 
Work has also now commenced on the construction 
of the 620,000 sqft facility in Heerlen, South-East 
Netherlands. This site is scheduled to be handed 
over later this year for initial fitting out although the 
current long lead times on the supply of warehouse 
automation equipment mean that it will likely be 
mid-2024 before the site is fully operational. 
Approximately €2 million was incurred on this 
project in the year with the total cost to bring the 
site into full operational use estimated at €95 million.

In the meantime, the Group continues to operate 
out of a number of smaller facilities in Southern 
Belgium and Northern France. To date these 
facilities have focused on the fulfilment of a 
large proportion of the core ranges and fastest 
moving lines required for stores in Mainland 
Europe although we have now started to fulfil 
some online orders locally also. 

Neil Greenhalgh
Chief Financial Officer

22 June 2022

c o n c e s s i o n s

A number of Go Outdoors stores 
also now benefit from specialist 
sections for fishing and equestrian 
leveraging the specialist knowledge 
and reputation at Fishing Republic 
and Naylors respectively.

o u t d o o r
The Group’s Outdoor mission is to inspire and 
equip everyone for life outdoors. Whether you’re 
an Outdoor specialist in rock climbing, cycling, 
trail or horse-riding or a casual Outdoor enthusiast 
who likes to walk their dog, go on family treks and 
camping trips, JD Outdoor aims to supply your 
every need to facilitate a life spent being active in 
nature, all year round. Across the breadth of our 
Outdoor banners, Go Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, 
Naylors, Wheelbase, Leisure Lakes and Tiso, we 
expect to service all our customers’ Outdoor needs.

Across the Outdoor portfolio, our approach 
continues to be to keep leases flexible with 
break clauses wherever possible so we can react 
quickly if market conditions change. During the 
year there has been little change to our existing 
Blacks, Millets and Tiso store portfolios and, 
following the restructure of Go Outdoors in 2020, 
the Group has now completed or substantially 
agreed new leases with terms that were more 
appropriately structured on 59 stores. 

Our programme of works to enhance the profile of 
certain categories such as fishing and equestrian 
has gained momentum with the opening of 10 
additional Fishing Republic concessions in key 
locations combined with the opening of the first 
Naylors concession in Kidderminster. We currently 
plan to open a further 25 Fishing Republic and 
10 Naylors concessions in 2022/23. 

Further, we have made two acquisitions in the 
second half of the year of cycling retailers, 
Wheelbase and Leisure Lakes. Wheelbase has three 
stores in the North of England whereas Leisure Lakes  
has a more national presence with 10 stores in urban 
locations. Both of these cycling retailers are renowned 
for their industry expertise and have strong relationships 
with key brands which will enhance the cycling offer 
within the Group. It is the Group’s intention to 
incorporate Wheelbase concessions in appropriate 
larger spaced Go Outdoors stores with the first two 
concessions in Coventry and Stockton now open.

248

Outdoor stores

10 

10 Fishing Republic 
concessions 
opened in 2021/22

35+

concessions 
planned for GO 
stores in 2022/23

50

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022E S G

FOCUSED ON  
            THE FUTURE

ESG Highlights

Grade A

The Group received an ‘A’ grade 
as a ‘Supplier Engagement 
Leader’ from the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP)

700+

Young people joined the Group 
through the UK Government’s 
Kickstart programme

43%female Board members 

at 29 January 2022

I am very proud to present our 
ESG disclosures in a reporting 
period that has seen the Group 
achieve many notable and 
sector-leading milestones.”

NEIL GREENHALGH 
CHAIR OF THE ESG 
COMMITTEE 

22 June 2022

51

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED

INTRODUCTION FROM NEIL GREENHALGH, 
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND ESG 
COMMITTEE CHAIR

From planning for climate-related risks (now 
formally supported by Task Force on Climate-
Related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’)), to 
protecting both our colleagues and those 
within our supply chain, fulfilment of our 
environmental, social and governance 
obligations has never been more critical. 

Territorial expansion and sales growth necessitate 
greater organisational transparency with regards 
to our environmental impact and strategy. The  
reporting period also included COP26 in Glasgow 
which saw attending political leaders, non-
governmental organisations (NGO’s), businesses 
(including JD) and private citizens collectively 
working to engineer action in support of the 
climate crisis.

Accordingly, I am very proud to present our 
ESG disclosures in a reporting period that 
has seen the Group achieve many notable 
and sector-leading milestones.

ESG INDEX

Section 

Overview and governance

Environmental

TCFD

Climate Change

Sector Emission Data

Sustainability in Private Label Manufacturing

Social 

Ethical Sourcing

Our People

Health & Safety 

The JD Foundation

Global Empowerment

Governance

S172 Statement – Stakeholder Engagement

52

Environmental – Key Facts
 –  The Group retained its ‘A-‘Climate Change grade from the Carbon 

Disclosure Project (CDP), surpassing our sector average by two grades. 

 – Our private label team surpassed previously documented targets by 
reaching 98% of our cotton sourced via the ‘Better Cotton’ initiative.
 – The Group became one of the founding signatories to the Waste and 

Resource Action Plan (‘WRAP’) Textiles 2030 initiative with our private 
labels aiming to cut carbon by 50% and water by 30%.

Social – Key Facts
 – We are proud to be working with the UK Government as a national partner 

on its Kickstart Scheme with over 700 people employed through the scheme 
in the financial year.

 – The Group successfully trialled the roll-out of the ‘Together We Can’ project 
to raise funds through micro-donations at the till point. The project is being 
implemented across all of our JD and Outdoor stores in the UK in 2022 and 
we plan to extend overseas in 2023. See page 84 for more details about 
‘Together We Can’ and the other global empowerment initiatives undertaken 
by the Group.

Governance – Key Facts
 – This year the Group increased the gender and ethnic diversity of the Board. 
As a result, the Board now consists of more female Board members than in 
any other year.

 – On 25 May 2022, the Group announced that it had decided to accelerate the 
separation of the roles of Chair and Chief Executive Officer. Peter Cowgill 
stood down as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with 
immediate effect. Helen Ashton was appointed as Interim Non-Executive 
Chair and Kath Smith was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer. 
For further details, please see the Statement from the Board on page 4.

Pages

53

55

60

64

67

71

76

80

82

84

86

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022OVERVIEW AND GOVERNANCE

Overview and Governance – ESG Committee
As a FTSE 100 company, we recognise and embrace 
that our scale enables us to make positive, lasting changes. 
Our ESG Committee (founded in 2020) governs our global, 
Group-wide approach to sustainability, including the critical 
topics; people strategy, climate change, sustainable 
sourcing and governance.

Further information on our ESG committee and 
credentials can be found on our corporate website at  
www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/esg-committee 

Responsibilities of the ESG Committee include:

 – The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 

(SDG’s) remain part of our ESG framework and 
operations. Case study evidence is available via our 
corporate website www.jdplc.com/esg/our-esg-stories.

 – Determining our strategy, corporate risk-assessment 

and monitoring of ESG performance across the Group’s 
respective fascias and territories, including submission 
of our TCFD statement.

 – Reviewing investment plans from an ESG perspective – 

from proposed capital expenditure projects to assessment 
of risks and opportunities for potential acquisitions.

 – Engaging (via our Committee Chair) with the Board on 
ESG-strategy impacting activities on a periodic basis.

 – Clear communication of our strategy to investors, 

verifying our credentials via accreditation and data, 
so as to support investors with EU Sustainable Finance 
Disclosure Regulations (SFDR).

 – Ensuring that our colleagues and suppliers are 

supported and trained across a broad cross-section 
of personal and environmental welfare topics.

 – Supporting our customers by improving the frequency 

and accuracy of environmental and sustainability 
claims made relating to products manufactured by 
both branded suppliers and our private labels.

Colleague
welfare, 
support
and 
training

People
services
(HR)

Group
finance

Financial
planning 
and analysis

Supply
chain

Quality brand 
sourcing and 
quality assurance

ESG
Committee

Legal 
team

GROUP
BOARD

Corporate
governance 
and 
compliance

Investor 
relations

Regulatory/
shareholder
engagement

Group procurement
and environment

Group wide retail
and support operations

53

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022E S G   –   E N V I R O N M E N T

ESG RISK IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT

e s g   r i s k   i d e n t i f i c a t i o n   – 
s o u r c e s :

f o r m a l 
 –  International NGOs (e.g. United Nations)
 –  Global inter-governmental organisations
 –   National government notifications
 –   Financial Conduct Authority updates
 –   Independent benchmarks 

(e.g. Carbon Disclosure Project)

 –  Global, issue-based initiatives 

(e.g. RE100 – renewable energy targets

 – Audit recommendations

i n f o r m a l 
 –  Media coverage
 –  Customer feedback
 –  Industry forum feedback 

(e.g. British Retail Consortium)

 –  Supplier engagement
 –  Independent market reports

Risk identified

Embed compliance 
model (own 
operations)

Review supply chain 
compliance

Identify 
potential future 
developments

Assess supply  
chain (external) 
exposure

Feedback from ESG 
Committee

Risk included in  
the Annual Report

Engage suppliers  
and independent  
topic experts

Verification of 
financial risk

Risk presented to 
ESG Committee

– Short-term

– Medium-term

– Long-term

Impact and 
mitigation 
strategy agreed

Background ESG Context – Third-party 
brand and Private Label Products
As a multichannel retailer of branded sports 
fashion and casual wear, the majority (presently 
in excess of 90%) of our sales are from globally 
recognised third-party brands including Nike, 
adidas, Puma, Under Armour and The North Face 
(owned by VF Corporation). The balance of our 
products sales is from our quality private label 
brands, including Pink Soda and Supply & Demand.

The global reach and recognition of our major 
third-party brands is integral to our overall 

sustainable sourcing commitments and objectives. 
The visibility of our largest third-party brands 
necessitates them meeting, and exceeding, 
consumer expectations for product quality 
and sustainability alike.

Representatives from our ESG Committee 
undertake regular engagement sessions with 
our largest third-party brands to monitor their 
continued global leadership with regards to 
sustainable product innovation, commitments 
to reduce the impact of climate change and 
supply chain transparency.

 90%+

of our sales are 
from globally 
recognised 
third-party 
brands including 
Nike and adidas.

A summary of the performance of our largest third-party brands (across multiple environmental and social metrics)  
is included below. 

Brand

Nike

adidas

Puma

The North Face
(VF Corporation)

54

UN Fashion 
Charter

ZDHC 
equivalent

CDP Climate

CDP Water

Animal 
Welfare Policy

Conflict 
Minerals policy











































N/A

N/A



JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022TCFD

Disclosures and Standards – TCFD 
Within our 2020/21 Annual Report, the Group provided a summary 
incorporating the key principles and requirements of TCFD, 
demonstrating our commitment to TCFD disclosure adoption. 

In addition to using independent sector benchmark performance 
assessments such as CDP, we provide validated performance 
reporting against targets and objectives consistent with 
previous Annual Report disclosures. 

In accordance with the Listing Rule 9.8.6R and consistent 
with TCFD Recommendations and Recommended Disclosures,  
we have provided a full, framework-template response to 
support the disclosure of Group climate-related risks and 
opportunities within this Annual Report. Due to the volume of 
information and disclosures and to provide further verification 
of our statements, where we have not included the information 
in this Annual Report, we have included clear references and 
links to additional TCFD-related documentation available on 
our corporate website. 

Our TCFD statement is supported by our 2021 Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP) Climate Change response. 
The CDP system is recognised by TCFD as supporting 
TCFD recommendations via 25 TCFD-aligned climate-
related questions on topics including governance, risks 
and opportunities, strategy, targets and emissions. 

The Group recognises the TCFD recommendation to quantify 
the financial impact of strategic climate-related risks. Considerable  
time has been invested in our attempts to fulfil this requirement. 
However, our research into quantifying climate risks identified 
that (owing to the current lack of standard calculation method) 
there are large variances in the interpretations and estimates 
from the leading brands that have provided estimates. We  
anticipate that more accurate, verifiable climate-related 
financial planning risks can be provided in one to two years. 
The Group continues to discuss climate-related risks within 
our regular financial planning activities, primarily via the 
Group ESG committee, chaired by our Chief Financial Officer. 
Finally, our approach to ESG risks will benefit from the roadmap 
of risk management improvements detailed on page 110.

e TCFD recommended disclosure
c
n
a
n
r

a)  Describe the board’s oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities.

Pre-TCFD developments
The Board’s oversight of climate-related issues performance is provided by scheduled, two-way strategic engagement with our Chief 
Financial Officer (as Chair of the ESG Committee) on ESG-related risk identification, strategy and performance vs policy and metrics, 
including targets published within our Annual Report. 

e
v
o
g

The ESG Committee Chair is appraised of climate-related issues both informally and formally on a regular basis. The ESG Committee 
Chair will then provide updates as required during regular Board meetings. The Board is informed of climate-related issues, updates 
and metrics via formal Board reports which are circulated on a monthly basis. Ad hoc sessions are also held where the ESG 
Committee will present updates regarding specific issues, achievements and metrics to the Non-Executive Directors.

Engagement with the Board (the majority of whom hold multiple Non-Executive Director positions with other organisations) grants 
our Chief Financial Officer and ESG Committee access to feedback and comparative assessment on climate-related risks and 
opportunities.

In-year progress 
The ESG Committee was expanded to include representation 
from our Outdoor businesses.

Approval of final stage (Scope 3) submission of our Science 
Based Targets.

2022/23 Plans 
The Board, in conjunction with the Audit & Risk Committee, has 
established an Enterprise Risk Management (‘ERM’) working 
group, with ESG identified as one of the core topics for provision 
of additional communication with the Board on risk management 
identification, mitigation and policy.

Approval provided on Waste and Resources Action Plan 
(‘WRAP’) Textiles 2030 targets including emission reductions, 
sustainable sourcing and circular economy targets and metrics.

Our Group Chief Financial Officer and ESG Chair remains our 
signatory and the conduit from the Board to our colleagues and 
customers for carbon, sourcing, and people-based disclosures.

55

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
TCFD CONTINUED

e TCFD recommended disclosure
c
n
a
n
r

b)  Describe management’s role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities.

Pre-TCFD developments
Profiles of our ESG Committee members can be found at www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/esg-committee. All positions have 
a global remit for their respective responsibilities, ensuring provision of consistent ESG sourcing, reporting and training. 

Our Chief Financial Officer and ESG Chair initiated the introduction of a monthly ESG summary (key climate and environment risks, 
issues and opportunities), and this is reviewed by the Board and used for key investor updates. This allows incorporation of ESG 
opportunities and climate-related risks within our scheduled financial planning activities.

In-year progress 
Completion of SBTi Scope 3 emission reduction targets, 
with data validation from third-party sources.

ESG Committee members joined the Textiles 2030 steering 
committee and Department for Environment, Food and Rural 
Affairs (‘DEFRA’) consultations for Extended Producer Responsibility,  
expanding climate-risk and opportunity assessments.

Management increased engagement with key suppliers, with 
particular focus on carbon emission reduction targets and 
sustainable sourcing.

2022/23 Plans 
2022/23 will see in-year objectives including agreement on 
Circular Economy strategy and identification of global roles 
and responsibilities with regards to climate change education 
and carbon reduction.

e
v
o
g

y TCFD recommended disclosure
g
e

medium, and long-term.

a)  Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the organisation has identified over the short, 

t
a
r

t
s

Pre-TCFD developments
The Group has documented short, medium and long-term climate-related risks within our annual Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 
submission as short-term (0-3 years), medium-term (3-5 years) and long-term (5-10 years). Please see Additional Information – 
TCFD on our corporate website at www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/our-policies. The Group notes that owing to the requirement 
for immediate actions on climate, the time horizons are shorter than risk considerations covered elsewhere within this report. 

CDP has the largest TCFD-aligned environmental database in the world. Accordingly, our climate-related risks have been verified in 
accordance with TCFD principles, with the Group achieving an ‘A-’ grade in December 2021. For more information, see the ‘Climate 
Change’ section of our corporate website. Our CDP submission and Science Based Targets (SBTi) are based upon the 1.5°c scenario 
documented within the Paris Agreement. Additional climate risks identified included extreme weather-related events and biodiversity 
changes.

In-year progress 
Our climate-related risks were scored within the 2021 CDP report, 
with the Group achieving an A- grade for Climate Change, and an 
‘A’ grade for Climate Change Supply Chain Engagement.

2022/23 Plans 
Despite the February 2022 announcement delaying the EPR 
regulations, the Group continues preparations in accordance 
with the original timescales.

Our work with Textiles 2030 has ensured that the Group is well 
placed to mitigate risks (and maximise opportunities) relating 
to Extended Producer Responsibility (‘EPR’) regulations.

We engaged our private label supply chain to identify additional 
climate change mitigation measures at sourcing territory level, 
including suppliers ability to access renewable energy within 
the medium-term.

We have targeted the retention of our 2022 ‘A’ grade for climate 
change supplier engagement. We aim to increase documented 
measures (improved climate audit and data disclosure) with both 
private label and key indirect suppliers.

56

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022y TCFD recommended disclosure
g
e

b)  Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation’s businesses, 

strategy, and financial planning risks and opportunities.

t
a
r

t
s

Pre-TCFD developments
The Group provided an assessment of the risks mentioned within our A- rated CDP Climate Change disclosure. This included 
low-carbon economy transition, identifying potential supply chain disruptions, from raw material supplies and costs to labour 
availability, production and distribution of goods.

Our Group supplies products from world-leading brands. Prior to TCFD becoming established reporting practice, the Group 
observed that there was no common methodology to quantify the financial risk across our sector. Our CDP submission acknowledges 
risks associated with leading brands providing large variances on interpretations and impacts of differing climate risk scenarios.

In-year progress 
Our knowledge of climate-related risks enabled our most 
detailed ESG-assessments of potential acquisitions to date.

The Group Mergers and Acquisition (‘M&A’) team has established 
regular engagement with the ESG Committee to improve 
climate-related financial risk assessment of potential investments.

The preparatory work for our (approved) SBTs enabled the 
Group to ‘normalise’ sector data on climate-related risks, 
improving our ability to identify risks and mitigating actions.

TCFD recommended disclosure

2022/23 Plans 
Within 2022/23, high-risk ESG categories (e.g. carbon emissions 
and labour conditions) will form part of the due diligence on 
large-scale M&A activities. The Group will provide a year-end 
summary of ESG due-diligence undertaken on acquisitions (in 
accordance with Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulations 
(‘SFDR’) requirements).

c)  Describe the resilience of the organisation’s strategy, taking into consideration different  

climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario.

Pre-TCFD developments
The Group commenced resilience planning based upon the 1.5°C scenario, on the basis that we believed the 2.0°C or lower scenario 
would be revised. In 2020 the Group submitted (and received verification of) Scope 1 and 2 emission targets based on the 1.5°C 
scenario. Further information can be found on our corporate website at www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/our-policies. 

In-year progress 
Organisational resilience verified via achievement of an ‘A-’ 
CDP Climate Change rating for the second successive year and an 
‘A’ grade for Supplier Engagement on Climate Change.

2022/23 Plans 
Continue advocacy for the CDP project, with the target of JD 
scoring at least one grade higher than our retail peer group 
within the December 2022 climate change assessment.

The Group CDP responses (Climate Change, Water Stewardship 
and Forestry) incorporate significant detail on climate-related 
scenario planning, and our scores are ahead of sector averages.

Retain our ‘A’ grade for Supplier Engagement by providing case 
study evidence of private label and indirect supplier climate 
change mitigation and renewable energy progression.

t TCFD recommended disclosure
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
m

a)  Describe the organisation’s processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks.

Pre-TCFD developments
Within our 2021 Annual Report, we identified ESG-related risks and impacts, assessing each risk and categorising each as ‘short’, 
‘medium’ and ‘long-term’. We have defined short-term as 0-3 years, medium-term as 3-5 years and long-term as 5-10 years. 
We expanded our assessment scope in 2021 to include ESG risk identification and management from both formal and informal 
sources. Examples of formal sources include the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, international NGOs and Financial 
Conduct Authority updates. Informal sources include media coverage, customer feedback and independent market reports.

The diagram on page 54 explains our risk identification and management process and the Topical Risks section on page 27 provides 
further detail. Further information can be found on our corporate website at www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/our-policies.

k
s

i

r

In-year progress 
Climate-related risks updated after the Group’s COP26 
attendance and subsequent impact assessment, including 
climate-related engagement of private label supply chain.

Our CDP submissions for Climate Change, Water Stewardship 
and Forestry contain extensive detail on climate-related risk 
identification and assessment. Our progress is validated and 
evidenced via our ‘A-’ grade for CDP Climate Change and ‘B’ 
for Water Stewardship.

2022/23 Plans 
The new ERM Working Group will document improvements to our 
ESG risk management framework design. This includes climate-
related risks relating to our operations, private label supply chain 
and the activities of our largest suppliers.

57

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
ESG CONTINUED
TCFD CONTINUED

t TCFD recommended disclosure
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
m

b)  Describe the organisation’s processes for managing climate-related risks.

Pre-TCFD developments
Since 2019, climate-related risks have been reviewed by our ESG Committee and incorporated into business planning processes 
where appropriate. By using CDP for assessment of climate-related risks, investors and disclosers are provided with access to 
independent data on our comparative performance. CDP has the largest TCFD-aligned environmental database in the world. 
We are proud of our grade progression, as documented on our corporate website.

The Topical Risks section on page 27 includes a summary of our process for managing climate-related risks with further information 
provided in our Additional Information – TCFD document on our corporate website at www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/our-policies.

In-year progress 
ESG reporting included in our monthly Board reports has been 
expanded to include sustainable sourcing (private label), quality 
assurance, audit and ‘Circular Economy’ updates.

Climate-related (financial) risks re-assessed, with additional capital 
expenditure investment to support emission reduction across our 
retail estate. Our independent climate disclosures (CDP Climate 
Change and Water) continue to achieve leading scores.

TCFD recommended disclosure

k
s

i

r

2022/23 Plans 
Consistent use of independent, TCFD-aligned climate risk 
disclosures. Our 2022/23 target is to achieve independent 
verification that our performance remains ahead of our sector peers.

Improvements identified within the ERM framework will be 
incorporated into our approach to managing climate-related risks.

c)  Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks are 

integrated into the organisation’s overall risk management.

Pre-TCFD developments
Any risk measured as being greater than a 2% loss on our direct operating profit (against plan) is defined as a substantive risk. 
This includes climate-related risks. Substantive impact risks have been addressed within our scheduled budgeting and reforecasting 
processes. Any subsequent risks identified (and their respective impact) are assessed from the perspective context of legal 
compliance, financial impact and reputational risk.

The diagram on page 54 explains our risk identification and management process and the Topical Risks section on page 27 provides 
further detail. Further information can be found on our corporate website at www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/our-policies. 

In-year progress 
The ESG Committee increased engagement with the Group’s 
Mergers and Acquisition team.

Our risk measurement approach incorporates assessment 
of our strategy by CDP and enhanced transparency via our 
corporate website. 

Our private label team surveyed our key suppliers to assess 
progress in adopting renewable energy and climate change 
adaptation preparation.

2022/23 Plans 
Extension of our (externally recognised) highly-rated ESG 
risk management strategy to acquired businesses. This shall 
enable the Group to report our updated, collective international 
approach to climate risk within our December 2022 CDP 
disclosure. Our Science Based Target and Road to Zero 
progress shall also be updated and disclosed.

s TCFD recommended disclosure
t

a)  Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess climate-related risks and opportunities 

e
g
r
a
t

in line with its strategy and risk management process.

Pre-TCFD developments
Since 2017, the Group benchmarked ESG performance (including risk identification) via globally recognised, independent 
ESG assessments aligned to TCFD. Assessments such as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) encompass climate-related 
risk assessments and opportunities, including financial impacts. Our CDP Climate Change score progressed from ‘D’ in 2017 
to ‘A-’ by 2020, outperforming our sector benchmark by three grades. Our Water Security score reached ‘B’ grade by 2020, 
again outperforming the discretionary retail sector.

Further information can be found in our Additional Information – TCFD document at www.jdplc.com/esg/governance/our-policies. 

In-year progress 
The Group’s proactive approach to climate-related risk was 
recognised by retention of our CDP ‘A-’ rating for Climate 
Change – two grades above our sector average, private label 
brand progress enabled retention of our ‘B’ score for Water 
Stewardship, outperforming the majority of our global brands.

Science Based Target validation was received for Scope 1 
and 2 emissions. Scope 3 targets were submitted to SBTi 
within the period.

2022/23 Plans 
Continuation of disclosures via CDP, with a 2022/23 target 
to achieve verification that Group performance (including 
evidence, via metrics) remains ahead of our sector peers. 

Achieve verification of Scope 3 emission reduction targets 
(from SBTi committee) prior to evidencing our ‘climate change 
outreach’ progress with key suppliers.

d
n
a

s
c

i

r

t

e
m

58

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
d
n
a

s
c

i

r

t

e
m

s TCFD recommended disclosure
t

b)  Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and if appropriate, Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’) emissions, and the 

e
g
r
a
t

related risks.

Pre-TCFD developments
See data on page 63. The Group has disclosed GHG emissions data since 2014, Scope 3 disclosures have been provided since 2020, 
and remains Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) compliant as per regulatory requirements.

In-year progress 
Continued disclosure of GHG emissions through our CDP 
responses. Third-party verification of our Scope 1 and 2 
emissions, incorporating calculation of data and compliant 
reporting to regulatory standards.

2022/23 Plans 
Expand Scope 1 and 2 reporting to acquisitions where we have 
direct operational control over energy sourcing.

Develop Scope 3 reporting through our strategic suppliers and 
utilise industry tools for our private label Scope 3 emissions.

TCFD recommended disclosure

c)  Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage climate-related risks and opportunities 

and performance against targets.

Pre-TCFD developments
Climate Change: In 2019 the Group identified the necessity of our climate-related targets receiving independent, science-based 
verification. Our Science Based Target initiatives (SBTi) for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions received verification (by the SBTi board) 
in 2021. 

The Group is a member of RE100 (aligned to CDP and TCFD) with the world’s largest organisations committed to using 100% 
renewable energy. Our renewable energy target for Western Europe is 100% by 2022, with a global target of 2025.

Sustainable Sourcing: Our private label brands committed to join the ‘Better Cotton’ (formerly BCI, or ‘Better Cotton Initiative’) 
during 2019. As part of our commitment to increase sustainable manufacturing, we set targets for Better Cotton usage for private 
label products. Targets were also established for the conversion of manufacturing components to more sustainable materials, with 
our progress documented via our Product Component Table on page 69.

Recycling and the Circular Economy: The Group targeted, and achieved third-party verified ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ accreditation in 
2020 as part of our landfill diversion metrics.

In-year progress 
Use of renewable energy increased to 91% for Western Europe 
during the period. The Group remains on course to achieve 
our ‘100% by end of 2022’ metric.

Private label use of Better Cotton reached a new milestone 
of 98% use for garments sourced within our most recent 
buying periods.

In 2021 the Group retained ‘Zero waste to landfill’ accreditation 
for our largest directly operated site (Kingsway Distribution 
Centre, Rochdale).

The Group successfully launched #IAMSUSTAINABLE training 
modules. Accessible to over 20,000 colleagues, training topics 
range from Climate Change to Circular Design. Completing the  
#IAMSUSTAINABLE courses improves environmental engagement 
and awareness, whilst providing colleagues with additional 
learning credentials as part of their professional development.

2022/23 Plans 
Achieve our 100% renewable target for operationally 
feasible controlled sites by the end of 2022 in Western 
Europe. Provide updates, progress reports and any risks 
relating to our global 100% renewable energy target (2025).

Expand the ‘Better Cotton’ approach and learnings to 
acquired businesses. This will support the advancement of 
‘private label’ climate change awareness and management 
across our expanded global operations.

Retain ‘Zero waste to landfill’ accreditation at our largest 
operated facility, and achieve equivalent status for our 
largest central office.

Expansion of our ‘#IAMSUSTAINABLE’ training programme 
to a minimum of 10 new territories. 

59

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
ESG CONTINUED
ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

 91%

of energy used in 
our Western 
European sites is 
renewable energy

Climate Change – Headline Achievements 
 – Achievement of ‘Leadership’ grade of A- within 

the 2021 CDP ‘Climate Change’ assessment.

Climate Change – Reporting and Compliance 
The Group’s management of carbon emissions 
is delineated into two categories:

 – Awarded ‘A’ rating for Climate Change ‘Supplier 

Engagement’ by CDP in January 2022.

 – As per our advocacy of the RE100 (the world’s 
most influential companies, committed to 100% 
renewable power), we reached 91% of Western 
European site renewable energy use.
 – Our Scope 1 and Scope 2 Science Based 
Targets were approved by the Science 
Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) board. 

 – Our Scope 3 targets were submitted during 
the period. All JD targets are set against the 
more ambitious  1.5-degree Celsius scenario.

 – Amidst increased scoring thresholds, our 

CDP ‘Water Stewardship’ submission retained 
a ‘B’ grade score, demonstrating continued 
progress by our private label brands.

 – The Group was awarded a second-successive 
‘Zero to landfill’ accreditation for our largest 
directly operated site in Rochdale, UK.

 – The Group used SBTi criteria and third-party 
verified data to identify our forecast Net Zero 
year as 2043 using 2019/20 as the base year. 
For carbon-emission reductions targets, 
including Net-Zero, the baseline year used is 
2019-20. This matches our Science Based Target 
initiative (SBTi) and Carbon Disclosure Project 
(CDP) submissions.

1)  Scope 1 and Scope 2 – Group ‘directly controlled’ 
operations within our infrastructure (e.g. our  
warehouse and in-store energy usage). GHG  
emissions are as defined by the GHG Protocol. 
Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from 
owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 emissions 
are indirect emissions from the generation of 
purchased energy.

2)   Scope 3 – operations and activities of our supply 
chain, including manufacture of products and 
our non-merchandise suppliers:

 – Purchased goods and services (92.3%) are our 

largest Scope 3 contributor.

 – The Group continues to monitor and encourage 
emission reduction progress from our strategic 
suppliers. The highest level of emission 
reductions need to be achieved at the raw 
material and manufacturing stages for 
branded products.

 – Emissions data is constantly adjusting due to 
both changes in Group activity and changes 
to calculation methodologies.

Within these categories, the Group remains 
compliant with: 

 – The updated UK SECR system. 
 – The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme 
obligations within the UK and Energy. 
Efficiency Directive obligations for Europe.

Purchased 
goods and services

92.3%

ENVIRONMENTAL

c l i m a t e 
c h a n g e 
r e p o r t i n g 
–   s c o p e   3 
b r e a k d o w n

60

Employee commuting
0.5%
Waste generated in operations
0.2%
Fuel- and energy-
related activities
0.3%
Capital goods
2.1%
End-of-life treatment 
of sold products
1.4%
Downstream transportation 
and distribution
0.6%
Business travel
0.2%
Upstream transportation 
and distribution
2.4%

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Climate Change – Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) 

During the period, our team worked with independent 
consultants to identify the sources and values of our 
Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions prior to 
submission of our targets to the SBTi board.

Group membership of WRAP Textiles 2030 enabled 
the Group to commence further detailed evaluation of 
our private label Scope 3 emissions, utilising tools such 
as the ‘WRAP Carbon calculator’. 

Please note that the targets below may be adjusted 
due to any feedback received as part of the official 
SBTi board verification process.

Category

Target

Status

Scope 1 and 2 
emissions

The Group commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 
67.2% by 2035-36 from a 2019-20 base year.

Submitted 
and approved

Scope 3

The Group commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 67.2% 
from textiles and footwear within the purchased goods and services 
category by 2035-36 from a 2019-20 base year.

Submitted

Climate Change – Reducing carbon emissions – progress and objectives

Environmental 
objective

Climate Change 
– carbon 
and water 
reductions

Temperature

2021/22 progress 

2022/23 objective

 – LED investments made in 31 stores and gyms 
achieving 40% energy reduction (486t CO2).
 – Completion of partial-LED retro-fit at Kingsway 

Distribution Centre saving 45t CO2. 

 – Completion of our first solar installation at 
Stockton GO Outdoors, saving 14t CO2.
 – Over 400 Building Management Systems 

(BMS) installed, enabling 2021 Winter/Spring 
set-point temperature adjustments to deliver 
estimated carbon savings of 198t CO2.
 – JD Gyms reduced shower and tap water 
consumption by over 60% for new sites. 
Improved reporting data and faster corrective 
action on high water-consuming sites has saved 
7.5 million litres of water. 

 – Our fleet policy has been updated to encourage 
the use of electric vehicles (EV) to align with 
future legislation.

 – Additional LED investment at our Kingsway 
DC, and across additional UK retail stores.
 – Additional investment in solar technology 
(where feasible) for UK and European sites.

 – BMS to be installed within new JD stores 

as standard. Savings figures to be disclosed 
at year-end.

 – Proof of concept to be undertaken 

on new carbon reduction technologies 
(e.g. voltage optimisation).

 – Electric vehicles: Complete installation 
of vehicle charging point infrastructure 
for our major occupancy sites.

 – Conduct a trial of Electrical Vehicle use for 
logistics transport within the London area, 
and disclose results via ESG Committee.

Carbon 
reduction 
– procurement

 – Renewed UK Green Energy contract, with 100% 

 – Achieve 100% renewable usage for Western 

traceable renewable electricity. 

Europe by the end of 2022.

 – 100% renewable energy use within the 

Republic of Ireland.

 – 91% of renewable energy use in our Western 

European stores (where we have direct operational 
control over energy sourcing). We are on track for 
100% by end of 2022 as per previously reported 
target metrics.

 – Continued progression towards 100% global 
renewable energy use by 2025, with in-year 
focus on those US stores where we have direct 
operational control over energy sourcing.

61

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
ESG CONTINUED
ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

Environmental 
objective

2021/22 progress 

Sustainability 
– education and 
engagement 

 – ESG awareness and education increased via our 
‘#IAMSUSTAINABLE’ online training courses, 
available to over 20,000 colleagues.

 – Environmental engagement and topical content 
included in our colleague-wide, monthly ‘People 
First’ magazine.

 – ESG-related communication improvements via 

both our corporate website, and product content 
information available to customers.

2022/23 objective

 – #IAMSUSTAINABLE’ training programme 

to be accessible in 10 additional territories. 
 – Colleague updates on topics such as COP27.
 – Provision of colleague support and advice to 
embed sustainable behaviours at work and 
home, with particular focus on mitigating the 
impact of increased domestic energy costs.
 – Evidence increased customer communication 

on product-related circular economy and 
sustainability topics. These will include ‘care 
and repair’ and making more informed ‘end 
of product life’ decisions.

Verification 
and reporting 
– Climate 
Change 
(carbon) 
and Water

 – The Group received Scope 1 and 2 emissions 

 – Achieve verification of our Scope 3 

target approval by the SBTi committee. Scope 3 
targets submitted during the period.

 – The Group’s private label and licenced apparel 
sourced 2,782 tonnes of cotton through the 
‘Better Cotton’ initiative, saving over 1.3 billion 
litres of water since joining in 2020.

emission targets from the SBTi committee.

 – Continue improving Scope 3 emissions 

reporting and reductions via:
i) Engagement with strategic suppliers.

 ii) Utilising industry initiative tools and 
standards to address our private label 
Scope 3 emissions. 

 iii) In support of our work with WRAP Textiles 
2030, evidence progress on our targets to cut 
carbon by 50% and water by 30% for private 
label brands.

Benchmarking 
and 
engagement

 – The Group achieved an ‘A-‘ grade for the second 
year running for Climate Change and a ‘B’ for 
Water Stewardship. For the second successive 
year the Group was certified as a ‘CDP Supplier 
Engagement Leader’ with an ‘A’ rating.

 – We are active contributors and supporters of 
the UN ‘Race to Zero’ and attended COP26.

 – We demonstrated the chronology of our 
progression to climate change leadership 
status as summarised on our corporate website.

 – Continue outperforming our sector on 
CDP scores (amidst vastly improved 
submission standards).

 – Achieving Net Zero before 2050. 

Our present forecast year for Net Zero is 
2043. This is based on detailed, externally 
validated analysis of our emissions, including 
our largest category (the manufacture of 
the branded products that we sell).

Resource 
management- 
Circular 
Economy 

 – For the second successive year we retained ‘Zero 

 – Retain ‘Zero waste to landfill’ accreditation 

waste to landfill’ waste accreditation at our largest 
operated facility.

 – 5,638 tonnes of card recycled and over 40 tonnes 

at our largest operated facility. Aim to 
achieve equivalent status for our largest  
UK/European office.

of plastic.

 – Recycled 74 tonnes of broken totes, resulting 
in the manufacture of 10,000 replacement 
products from recyclate.

 – The Group became one of the founding signatories 
to the WRAP Textiles 2030. Our first module was 
‘Circular Economy in Business’ giving focus to our 
future business strategy.

 – Review market solutions to implement 
a ‘Recycling Recovery Unit’ facility to 
expand take-back and recycling capability.

 – Publish our Group-specific outputs from 

WRAP 2030 workstream groups, including 
retail ‘take-back trials’.

 – Enhance customer environmental education 

by providing additional guidance on recycling 
and reuse.

62

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
Environmental – Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Data 

The Group uses and reports on Key Performance Indicators 
for energy usage. During the last year:

 – The Group has engaged the services of a leading third 

party audit and certification body to audit and verify our 
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) submissions (in accordance with 
ISO 14064-3 standards).

 – Accordingly, the Group can report the figures below, 

calculated based on GHG Protocol Corporate Standard 
using emissions factors from UK government conversion 
factor guidance. 

 – The emissions reported correspond with our financial 

year and reflect emissions from the leased and controlled 
assets for which the Group is responsible. 

Emissions Source:
Scope 1 (Purchased fuels)
Scope 2 (Electricity) Location based 
Scope 2 (Electricity) Market based
Scope 3 (All emissions)

2021/22 Tonnes 
CO2e Equivalent
7,461
70,403
36,547
4,458,224

2020/21 Tonnes  
CO2e Equivalent
6,575
48,973
30,072
4,145,393

Additional information: Our UK volumes of Scope 1 emissions are 1,425 tonnes CO2e. Scope 2 Location-based emissions 
19,055 tonnes CO2e and Scope 2 Market-based emissions 714 tonnes CO2e.

 – Reporting boundaries for 2021/2022 (aggregated facilities 
under operational control) include UK, Australia, Austria, 
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, 
Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, 
South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand & the US. We have 
also included the acquisition of MIG which took place during 
the year and includes the territories of Bulgaria, Czech 
Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, 
Poland, Romania and Slovakia. 

 – In line with the GHG protocol on dual reporting, we 

have disclosed both market and location-based emissions 
for purchased electricity in 2020/21 and 2021/22. 
 – Scope 3 emissions data is calculated via a screening 

figure). This Scope 3 emissions category has not been 
included in our Scope 3 boundary for our SBTi submission.
 – Fugitive emissions are not included in the above as they are 

a de-minimis category. 

 – The above figures for 2020/21 have been updated to reflect 
our 2021 CDP submission verified by our third party auditor. 

 – Whilst not a mandatory disclosure, the Group remains 
committed to presenting data appertaining to energy 
usage and carbon footprint. After improving our reporting 
mechanisms, the Group is now able to provide its full actual 
UK and international energy usage (kWh measurement) and 
carbon footprint.

 – The easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and 

exercise using the Quantis financial input-output model and 
excludes emissions from ‘use of sold product’ as this is an 
optional category for GHG accounting (compared to the 
data reported in 2021 when emissions for ‘use of sold 
products’ has been included in the final Scope 3 reported 

further acquisitions has caused an increase in our energy 
consumption data and emissions versus the previous 
financial year. Due to the impact of the restrictions, year- 
on-year comparisons do not accurately reflect the Group’s 
efforts to reduce energy use on a like-for-like basis. 

Energy Usage – Electricity (kWh)
Energy Usage – Natural Gas (kWh)
Total Energy Use (kWh)
Carbon Emissions Location Based (Tonnes CO2e)
Carbon Emissions Market Based (Tonnes CO2e)
Intensity metric: Market based emissions (kgCO2e/m2)

2022  

2022  
(Int)

2022  

(UK & ROI)
(Total)
97,988,977  144,440,342 242,429,319
22,276,701
41,475,393
63,752,094
185,915,735
120,265,678
306,181,413
55,602
22,262
77,864
39,568
4,440
44,008
49.8
5.6
27.6

Within the UK & Republic of Ireland, the equivalent for 2020/21 energy usage: Electricity (kWh) 71,254,598, Natural Gas (kWh) 
14,184,165. Total energy use (kWh) 85,438,763.

 – As required under UK SECR legislation, we now apply an intensity 
factor to GHG emissions expressed in kilograms CO2e per metre 
squared. To show our progress in decarbonising our operations 
we are now using Market based emissions kgCO2e per sqm as our 
intensity metric. The Location based approach does not allow us to 
account for the emissions reductions due to renewable electricity 
element. Our Market based comparative for 2020/21 emissions 
kgCO2e per sqm was 9.4 (UK/ROI), 49.5 (Int) and 28.1 (Total).

 – The above data also includes recent acquisitions of MIG in Europe 

and Shoe Palace and DTLR in the US.

 – The renewables split is calculated based on the total usage of 

renewable energy supply as a % of the total electricity supply for 
the region for our directly controlled operations. At this moment 
we have excluded MIG from this European calculation as we don’t 
have full operational control over their energy sourcing.

Europe 

Worldwide 

Renewable 
sourced energy 
Non renewable 

91%
9%

Renewable 
sourced energy 
Non renewable 

61%
39%

63

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

s e c t o r   
e m i s s i o n   d a t a
Industry data highlighted the need to accelerate 
decarbonisation in line with the 2016 Paris Climate 
Agreement and 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change (‘IPCC’) report. McKinsey & Company 
and the Global Fashion Agenda described further targets 
within the ‘Fashion on Climate’ report. The report identified 
that the wider fashion industry needed to reduce annual 
emissions by 1.1 billion tonnes (50%) within the next decade 
to remain on course to achieve the 1.5°C global temperature 
increase limit required to restrict global warming. The  
largest carbon emission impact (identified in the chart 
below) is the production, processing and garment 
manufacturing stages of the supply chain cycle.

In 2020 we reviewed our own supply chain to identify how we 
can encourage sustainable behaviour across our supply tiers 
to further reduce carbon emissions, encourage increased 
stewardship of water, whilst ensuring safe chemical practices. 
In 2021 (post COP26) we developed a supplier survey relating 
to carbon, water and waste. This survey incorporated responses 
from the JD and Outdoor Group private label suppliers. This  
will enable us to develop a sustainable road map across our 
supply chain giving focus to emission-reduction opportunities. 

Our supplier survey responses demonstrated partial 
alignment to COP26 global targets, which highlights 
territory-specific infrastructure constraints. By continuing 
close engagement with established sourcing partners, we 
aim to achieve emission reduction progress, whether via 
energy source or process change.

Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Apparel & Footwear

s
n
o
i
s
s
i
m
e

y
r
t
s
u
d
n

I

l

a
t
o
t

f
o
%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Material
Production

Yarn
Preparation

Fabric
Preparation

Wet 
Processes

Cut, Make, 
Trim

Transport

Retail

Product 
Use

End of 
Life

Source: McKinsey & Co 

TIER 4

TIER 3

Raw material 
extraction 

Raw material 
processing 

Cultivation and extraction 
of raw materials from the 
earth, plants or animals.

Processing of raw materials 
into yarn and other 
intermediate products. 

TIER 2

Material 
production 

Production of 
materials (e.g. fabric, 
trims) that go directly 
into finished product.

TIER 1

Finished 
production 
assembly
Assembly and 
manufacturing 
of final products.

TIER 0

Office, retail, 
distribution 
centres
Corporate real 
estate not involved in 
production process.

ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR

 – Bottle recycling (for 

 – Yarn production 

 – Knitting and 

 – Cutting, sewing, 

 – Business travel and 

recycled polyester)

 – Conversion of oil/gas 

(extrusion, 

spinning, etc.)

weaving textiles

 – Fabric bleaching, 

into polymers

 – Production of dyes, 

dyeing, finishing, 

 – Cultivation of cotton, 

inks, adhesives, 

washing

stitching, embroidery

employee commuting

 – Screen printing

 – Stock fitting and 

lasting for footwear

wood and natural 

rubber products

resin, etc.)

 – Production of footwear 

 – Product packaging

 – Conversion of wood 

mid and outer sole 

 – Cattle grazing

products into pulp

components (extrusion, 

 – Leather preparation 

moulding, vulcanization)

(including tanning)

Source: Sciencebasedtargets.org

64

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental – Water Stewardship and Biodiversity 

Background
The growth and extraction of raw materials (including 
cotton) utilises high volumes of water. Accordingly, by 
the Group adopting improved sustainable practices and 
design principles, the environmental impact of our product 
manufacture decreases. The Group can demonstrate 
verifiable evidence of reduced water usage and removal 
of pesticides from the supply chain. Both measures have 
a direct, positive impact on farmers and local communities. 

By using recycled polyester (versus virgin polyester), 
additional sustainability benefits are delivered, including 
reduced carbon emissions associated with the products.

Water Stewardship – Branded Suppliers
As outlined on page 54, the global scale and visibility of our 
major third-party brands ensures high standards on all key 
environmental categories. This includes water stewardship 
and biodiversity, as evidenced by the CDP scores (on Water 
Security) for our largest brands. 

Water Stewardship – Private Label Manufacture
Within our private label supply chain, the highest volume 
usage of water occurs during the manufacture of products. 
The Group is proactively reducing water usage:

 – Since joining ‘Better Cotton’ in 2020 (formerly known 

as the ‘Better Cotton Initiative’) our sourcing of private 
label products using ‘Better Cotton’ has delivered water 
savings of over 1.3 billion litres.

 – Our membership of WRAP Textiles 2030, and associated 

30% water usage reduction targets.

 – Our use of the WWF Water Risk Filter, allowing more 
transparent and data-driven identification of water-
related risks. 

Water Stewardship – Group Stores and Sites
The largest source of water usage within our site estate 
is via our Gyms sites. Within the period, the use of new 
tap and shower specifications delivered a water reduction 
of over 60%.

Across all stores and sites, our proactive use of data and 
trend analysis delivered water savings of over 7.5 million 
litres versus the prior reporting period.

Biodiversity 
For private label footwear and accessories brands we 
provide and monitor a Supplier Manual incorporating 
policies ranging from reducing environmental impact 
to prevention of modern slavery. 

The Supplier Manual includes mandatory standards 
for compliance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation 
& Authorisation of Chemicals). For manufactured goods 
using leather, the Group requires our suppliers to have 
signed, and adhere to the Leather Working Group 
(‘LWG’) standards.

Key Metrics and Targets
In the most recent reporting period, the Group has 
demonstrated progress via:

 – Retaining our CDP ‘Water Stewardship’ ‘B’ grade, 

delivering A-grade performance in four categories. 

 – Reduced usage of virgin polyester.
 – Increased usage of ‘Better Cotton’ to over 98% in private 
label product, supporting: 1) farmer training on water 
reduction and economic irrigation and 2) receipt and 
payment of fair wages to farm workers.

 – Continuing our ‘Sustainability flag’ assessment process 
for the Group’s private label manufactured garments 
ensuring private label products (and suppliers) are 
reviewed against environmental compliance criteria. 
Further details can be found on our corporate website 
www.jdplc.com. 

BCI Better Cotton Initiative

We are proud members of Better Cotton. Better  
Cotton trains farmers to use water efficiently, care 
for soil health and natural habitats and reduce the 
use of the most harmful pesticides.

We are committed to increasing the amount of Better 
Cotton in our private label manufacturing. Over 98% 
of our cotton in private label production is now sourced 
through Better Cotton. Since joining Better Cotton 
in 2020 and sourcing better cotton, our private 
labels have contributed to:

1.1 million
garments

98.5%

€449,000
Additional 
profit*

1 Billion
Litres of
 water

2,724
Tonnes

675KG
of pesticides

of our cotton offering 
Of our cotton 
is now made using 
offering is 
Better Cotton
now made using 
Time period from 
better cotton
January 1st 2021 – 
December 31st 2021

Thanks to 
our sourcing 
better cotton

Were saved thanks 
to our sourcing 
better cotton

of better cotton 
has been sourced 
since joining BCI

Were avoided 
thanks to 
our sourcing 
better cotton

With the JD 
private label have 
been made using 
recycled polyester 
with a minimum 
percentage of 30%

* 

 BCI Farmers experience profit increases for a variety of reasons, 
most commonly due to increased yields and/or optimised use of 
inputs (such as irrigation water, pesticides or synthetic fertiliser) 
Time period from January 1st 2021 – December 31st 2021

65

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
 
ESG CONTINUED
ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

Environmental – Resource Management 

There is ongoing public and media scrutiny and debate on plastic (and other packaging materials). Accordingly, the 
Group has continued to improve its ‘resource management’ performance across several areas of our directly-controlled 
operations as detailed below:

Resource Objective

2021/22 Progress 

2022/23 Objective

Retail packaging 
and materials
Increasing recycled 
content within retail 
packaging and 
consumables.

We now have moved from 50% to 70% recycled content 
within our JD flexi-loop bags.

We lobbied key packaging suppliers to move to 
renewable energy tariffs, where possible.

Evidence transition of non-UK packaging suppliers 
to 100% renewable energy usage, during product 
manufacture (supporting the United Nations ‘Race 
to Zero’ initiative).

Paper and till rolls are fully FSC certified and our store 
bin liners are 100% recycled plastic.

GO Outdoors membership cards are now bio-degradable.

Demonstrate that new capital investment 
projects have incorporated site level re-use 
and recycling solutions.

Eliminate waste 
to landfill

Our largest directly-controlled facility (Kingsway 
Distribution Centre) achieved certified ‘Zero waste 
to landfill’ accreditation in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Achieve ‘Zero waste to landfill’ accreditation for 
both our Kingsway Distribution Centre and Head 
Office sites.

Recycle and re-use 
Increase the re-use 
and recycling of 
more products and 
develop circular 
economy solutions.

To maximise waste diversion from landfill, we diverted 
98.8% (2021: 98.8%) of our waste.

Maintain landfill diversion of at least 98.5% and target 
99%+ (subject to regulation changes).

‘Circular economy’ development continued by increasing 
recyclable waste streams within directly controlled 
operations. We reprocessed and reused assets including 
radios, mannequins, staff uniforms and container units.

Office furniture – over seven tonnes recycled and 
diverted from landfill.

Demonstrate further circular economy infrastructure 
within our own retail operations via investment in 
recycling and recovery facilities at key locations.

Card recycling and 
plastic recycling
To increase our 
recycling volumes 
specifically for 
card and plastic.

The Group continues to remove card and plastic at 
the earliest possible source (via Kingsway Distribution 
Centre). During the year, the amount of cardboard 
recycled increased by 9% to 5,643 tonnes. Less plastic 
is used during site operations with 40 tonnes of 
material recycled.

We completed a review of our warehouse boxes 
specification which now has 100% recycled card content.

Expand from our existing card and plastic recycling 
capability to incorporate more waste streams at 
existing and new distribution centres. 

Trial solutions to re-use waste streams within new 
products, providing evidence of trial results.

We have a target for our new warehouse boxes to 
reduce storage and transport by over 1,800 pallets.

By using recycled plastic material for our online item 
packaging we achieved an equivalent embodied carbon 
saving of 490t CO2e within the period. Our e-commerce 
boxes are made from 100% recycled card.

New customer messaging on re-use has been introduced 
across additional packaging for online sales.

Complete a packaging supply and specification 
review for our new distribution sites, ensuring 
compliance to 2022 UK plastic tax legislation.

Identify automated solutions to deliver a potential 
15% reduction to site level packaging.

Almost nine tonnes of labelling removed for 
e-commerce deliveries.

Achieved 100% FSC/recycled paper packaging 
(including swing tags and tissue paper).

Our barcodes are now FSC accredited and APEO free.

Our goal is for all private label components to 
be 100% sustainable by 2024 (see Production 
Component table).

We plan to achieve 100% recycled plastic content 
for our garment poly bags by Q4 2022.

E-Commerce 
packaging
Increase recycled 
content, improve 
re-use messaging 
and reduce 
packaging 
volume per sale.

Private label 
packaging
Maximise sustainable 
materials – ticketing 
and packaging.

Support for United 
Nations SDGs

66

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Charitable Donation of Plastic Bag Levy Income 

To encourage customer consideration of the necessity 
of bag use, the Group voluntarily charges for the  
use/sale of drawstring-bags. Where local authorities 
permit the donation of bag-levy income, the Group 
donates all proceeds from carrier bag charges in the 
UK to the JD Foundation. 

The Group does not offset any production or ‘administrative’ 
costs from its bag-levy income, and accordingly 100% of 
proceeds (net of VAT) are received by the JD Foundation 
for annual distribution as follows:

 – England £0.525 million and Wales £0.02 million received 

in the period to 29 January 2022. During the period, 12.5% 
of the funds were passed to Mountain Rescue in England 
and Wales with the remaining 87.5% donated to other 
charitable causes in accordance with the objects of the 
JD Foundation. 

 – Scotland £0.05 million received in the period to 

29 January 2022. During the period, 12.5% of the funds 
were passed to Scottish Mountain Rescue with the 
remaining 87.5% donated to other charitable causes 
in accordance with the objects of the JD Foundation.

For further details about how the JD Foundation uses 
these donations see page 82.

s u s t a i n a b i l i t y 
i n   p r i v a t e   l a b e l 
m a n u f a c t u r i n g
Textiles 2030 – Support, Objectives and Deliverables 
The Group is proud to have become a member of the 
Textiles 2030 initiative. The Group has also joined the 
advisory group for this initiative. Textiles 2030 is part 
of a worldwide initiative, led by Waste and Resources 
Action Programme (‘WRAP’).

The primary Textiles 2030 objective is to reduce the 
environmental impact of clothing across the globe, with 
particular focus on reducing carbon emissions (by 50%) 
and water usage (30%). 

The four Textiles 2030 modules supported by our 
Sourcing and Development teams are:

 –  Circular business models/in-use & disposal.
 –  Raw materials & processing improvements.
 –  Citizen behaviour.
 –  Circular design.

Participation in Textiles 2030 has supported delivery of:

 – Multi-fascia collaboration on circular business 
models and customer awareness initiatives.

 – Group awareness and compliance with 

environmental standards.

 – Organisational environmental awareness, further 
supported by our #IAMSUSTAINABLE training.

Reports on these modules will be showcased on our 
corporate website as they are completed throughout 2022.

Environmental Management Process and Auditing
Ethical sourcing and transparency (relating to supply 
chain and processes) remains of paramount importance 
to the Group. 

Our private label supply chain information is disclosed 
via our corporate site, including key sourcing territories, 
audit status and gender split data. 

In support of our Textiles 2030 commitments, collation 
of environmental data and research has commenced 
with scope to be extended to the lower tiers of our 
private label supply chain, mills and dye houses.

This allowed us to develop a comprehensive Environmental 
Management Process (‘EMP’) to increase transparency 
of accreditations and practices within our supply chain, 
whilst better understanding territory-specific challenges.

By using enhanced data and disclosures, we continue 
to improve raw material processing so as to mitigate 
risk, improve worker welfare, and reduce environmental 
impacts (such as waste water impact). 

Environmental audits have been completed by third party 
specialists within the period. The results and ‘cause and 
effect’ of these audits have aided development of the 
in-house grading system we use as part of our EMP. 

Our ambition is to ensure that our EMP reaches the 
standards of external, specialist audits.

67

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

Environmental Management – Lower Tiers
The Group presently contracts fully-factored garments 
and does not have direct relationships with the lower 
tiers of our supply chain. 

Product Manufacturing Process
Achieving genuinely ‘more sustainable’ products is not a cost 
neutral process. Material supply, demand and global market 
conditions must be assessed at the outset of the process.

Our ambition is to utilise our supply chain knowledge 
and incorporate sustainable processes (including 
finishes at dye house level) into private label product 
development processes.

Such improvements include the reduction of 
carbon emissions and water usage associated with 
the manufacture of private label end garments.

The key factors impacting sustainable product manufacture 
are: Availability, affordability, aesthetics and performance. 

Our designers and product team constantly review materials 
and fabrics with improved sustainability credentials. We utilise 
innovative solutions such as recycled wadding and recycled 
polyester (by %) to achieve more sustainable outcomes 
without impacting product quality or performance wherever 
possible although it is not always feasible for each private label 
brand and every product to use verified sustainable fabrics.

In all products, we ensure that all packaging and point of 
sale materials are made from recycled materials and are 
subsequently recyclable.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT MAPPING

CO M P O N E N TS + CONSIDERATIONS

r
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e
y
l

o
P

S
R
G

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Econyl 
Fishing Nets

Sea Qual
Ocean Plastic

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R

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C

c
i

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O

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o
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t
o
C

I

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B

RDS Down

Recycled Polyfill

e
s
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a
W

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N

:

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L

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t
a
e
L
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B

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e
h
t

O

Pineapple Leather-pinetex

Apple Leather

Corylon
Orange Fibre

Tencel
Bio Wash
Lyocell

Naia-wood Pulp
Amni Soul – Biodegradable Nylon

K N I TS /WOV E N S

OT H E R

Faux Fur

F U R

FA B R I C S

B AC K N E C K

Recycled Plastic Aglets

Cords – Recycled Polyester

Remove Aglets + 
Tie Drawcords

Recycled Polyester/Nylon

Recycled Rayon
Bamboo

Stitched Eyelets

Recycled

Plastic

D R AWCO R DS
/AG L E TS

TA P E S

E Y E L E TS

Paper Waste

P.E.T Waste
Plant Materials

Shell

Recycled 
Polyester

Recycled 
Plastic

Plastic/
Other

B U T TO N S

Tape

Z I P S

Plastic

P O P P E R S
/ R I V E TS

Remove

T R I M S

L A B E L S

C A R E   L A B E L S

Water Base Prints

Recycled Polyester

Recycled Polyester 
Care Labels

Natural 
(Stone, Straw 
And Bamboo)

FSC Recycled 
Paper

BCI String

Recycled 
Poly Ribbon

Water Based

Embossed

H A N GTAG

Paper

String

Prints

FAST E N I N G S

A P P L I C AT I O N S

E M B R O I D E RY

ST I TC H

CO N ST R U C T I O N

Recycled 
Polyester 
Thread

Mono Materials

G L I T T E R

DY E S

COAT I N G S

P R I N TS

100% Fabrics 
Are Recyclable

All Components on 
Garment Must Be 
100% of the Same 
Fibre Composition 

PROPE RTY  OF JD  SPORTS  FASHI ON  PLC

Biodegradable 
Glitter

Dry Dye
Waterless

Non Recyclable
Only To Be Used 
For Longevity

Algae

Water Based

68

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
 
 
Product Governance – Zero Discharge of Hazardous 
Chemicals (‘ZDHC’) 
The Group is predominantly a supplier of third-party 
brands. Over 88% of our product sales is from brand 
partners formally recognised as ‘contributors’ to 
the ZDHC initiative and corresponding standards. 
The remaining balance of our suppliers comply with 
alternative, high-standard measures to reduce the 
use and impact of harmful substances in the apparel 
and supply chain, such as the Apparel and Footwear 
International RSL Management Group (‘AFIRM’).

Restricted Substances List (‘RSL’) 
The Group operates a zero-tolerance policy on restricted 
substances to ensure our products remain safe and do 
not contain any hazardous or restricted substances. It is 
mandated that our Tier 1 suppliers (producing finished 
goods) follow a product testing matrix, with support from 
our nominated, specialist support supplier. Our testing 
matrix encompasses the most recent AFIRM RSL.

RSL audits are undertaken via seasonal due diligence 
testing on items assessed as potentially containing 
substances of high concern. Working with third party 
experts, we incorporate legislation and scientific updates 
to our approach to testing, ensuring that products do 
not exceed the parts per measure limits specified within 
the legislative and/or regulatory scope.

Product Safety Legislation Compliance 
Our Product and Design Development teams are committed 
to providing safe, compliant products that conform and 
perform to high standards via:

 – Training supported by third-party subject experts.
 – Sourcing in compliance with all product safety updates, 
including regular regional and global legislation changes.
 – Identifying and removing product risks at design stage, 

ensuring achievement of specific safety standards 
relating to products for children.

 – Using safe, functional and fit for purpose materials 

and products, such as APEO-free adhesives.

Product Component Table
This table illustrates the conversion of the components 
used in the manufacture of the product to sustainable 
materials by percentage across the private label ranges. 

Private Label Sustainable Volumes 2021/22
This diagram illustrates sustainable materials used 
in a garment (at a minimum of 30%). Our progress 
is tracked by overall garment order volumes.

Each layer of the pyramid shows the percentage achieved 
of each component type. Our target metric is for all 
components to be 100% sustainable by 2024.

Care labels
100%

Barcodes
100%

Swing tags
100%

Labels
100%

Thread
0%

Polyester
32%

Cotton
98.5%

Linings % waddings
83.5%

Fastenings
0%

Plastic packaging
In progress 2022

Men’s

Women’s

Junior and infant’s

75%

25%

83% 17%

79%

21%

Sustainable
Percentage of the total order values which has been sourced from 
a sustainable source such as recycled Better Cotton etc.

Non-sustainable
Percentage of the total order values which are currently not from 
a sustainable source. These areas are high priority to become 
sustainable going forward.

Sustainable
Components in the production process which are sourced from 
a sustainable source such as recycled BCI Cotton etc.

Non-sustainable
Components in the production process which are currently not 
from a sustainable source. These areas are high priority to become 
sustainable going forward.

69

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

Circular Economy – Keeping Products and Materials in Use

The Group has developed a supply chain to support the 
environment by keeping products and materials in use 
for as long as possible. We understand that this is not a 
completely ‘circular’ design, but extending product life is a 
key stage of the journey to circularity. Extending product 
life contributes to the reduction of emissions via both reducing 
manufacture of new products, and by encouraging re-use 
and responsible end of product life decisions.

3. Carbon Resources (Camping Resources) Ltd
Supporting our Outdoor businesses, Carbon Resources 
specialises in the refurbishment and repair of tents and 
equipment, giving products an extended life. The quality 
of repairs offered ensures ongoing durability for years 
beyond the original repair, keeping products and materials 
in use, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with 
new manufacture.

Despite our design improvement progression, changing 
customer tastes and requirements mean that it is not 
possible to completely eliminate returned stock.

To enable circular economy improvements, it was 
vital to identify market place outlets able to align to our 
waste-elimination principles within their own businesses. 
This ensures compliance throughout the supply chain, 
benefits end customers and enables the suppliers to 
make their own, direct contribution towards the United 
Nations ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (UN SDGs).

A summary of three of our suppliers supporting our goal 
to ‘keep products and materials in use’ is provided below. 
Through ongoing collaboration, we have achieved this goal, 
whilst reducing waste, and supporting four of the UN SDGs.

1. Africa Shoes
Africa Shoes has been exporting branded second-hand and 
safe basic-fault products to Africa and other outlets around 
the world since 1990. This type of stock has historically 
been ‘discarded’ by other retailers. Whilst Africa Shoes sells 
product globally, the preferred destination for the majority 
of our stock is markets within selected regions of Africa. 
Small, local vendors are able to access re-saleable stock 
at heavily discounted prices enabling them to make a profit 
and contribute towards their local economy.

2. Sole Responsibility 
Sole Responsibility specialises in the resale of clothing and 
footwear diverted from landfill to consumers, thus giving 
the ‘seconds’ a ‘second chance’ and keeping products and 
materials in use.

The graph (below) demonstrates the recent volumes 
of products given an ‘extended life’ via these outlets.

No of units

Sole 
Responsibility 
Carbon Resources 
Africa Shoes 

 49,547
 7,298
 46,435

Retailers and brands need to make a proactive contribution 
to reducing the impact of fashion on climate change. 
Customer education and support also plays an integral 
role to achieve improvements. 

We believe that consumers have a stronger understanding 
of the impact of their product choices (purchases and end 
of life decisions) than ever before.

With this in mind, our online team has developed a 
sustainability section on our consumer site to remind and 
further educate our customers on ‘conscious choices’ .

Skip a wash

Care label

Pass it on

Re-use

Repair

Recycle

Skip a wash

Care label

On average a washing machine uses 105 litres of water per wash. 
By reducing the amount you wash your products your products 
you will reduce water usage and your clothes will last longer.

JD private label products have clear wash care 
instructions which help to save energy and 
maintain the quality of the garments.

70

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
ETHICAL SOURCING 

The JD Ethical Code of Practice (‘Code’) establishes the procedure for protecting workers and 
providing assurance that our private label products are manufactured within safe and fair conditions. 
The Code forms part of the contract with us. The people working for our suppliers are to be treated 
with respect, and their health and safety and basic human rights must be protected and promoted. 
The Code follows the International Labour Organization minimum standards and the full form of the 
Code can be found on our corporate website at www.jdplc.com.

j d   c o d e   o f   p r a c t i c e : 
m i n i m u m   s t a n d a r d s
Employment is freely chosen – there must be no forced 
labour, bonded or involuntary
The organisation shall not engage in or support the use 
of forced or compulsory labour, including prison labour and 
shall not retain original identification papers. No personnel 
shall be required to pay deposits to the organisation at 
any time during or prior to commencing employment.

Freedom of Association and the right to collective 
bargaining must be respected
 All personnel should have the right to form, join and 
organise trade unions and to bargain collectively on 
their behalf with the organisation. Where these rights 
are restricted under local laws the organisation shall 
allow workers to freely elect their own representatives.

Workers conditions are safe and hygienic
The organisation shall establish documented procedures 
to detect, prevent, minimise and eliminate potential risks 
to the health and safety of personnel. The organisation 
shall maintain written records of all health and safety 
incidents that occur in the workplace and in dormitories 
provided by the organisation, whether it owns, leases 
or contracts dormitories from a service provider.

The organisation shall provide, for use by all personnel, free 
access to clean toilet facilities, potable water, suitable spaces 
for meal breaks and, where applicable, sanitary facilities for 
food storage.

Child labour shall not be used
The organisation shall establish, document, maintain 
and effectively communicate to personnel and approved 
subcontractors, written policies and procedures for 
remediation of child labourers and shall provide adequate 
financial and other support to enable such children to 
attend and remain in school until no longer a child.

The organisation may employ young workers, but 
where such young workers are subject to compulsory 
education laws, they shall work only outside of school 
hours. Under no circumstances shall any young worker’s 
school, work and transportation time exceed a combined 
total of 10 hours per day, and in no case shall young 
workers work more than 8 hours a day. Young workers 
may not work during night hours.

Living wages are paid in line with local laws 
and for a standard working week, overtime 
must be paid at premium rate
The organisation shall respect the right of personnel to a 
living wage and ensure that wages for a normal work week, 
not including overtime, shall always meet at least legal or 
industry minimum standards, or collective bargaining 
agreements (where applicable). Wages shall be sufficient 
to meet the basic needs of personnel and to provide some 
discretionary income. The organisation shall not make 
deductions from wages for disciplinary purposes.

Working hours must not be excessive and must be voluntary
The organisation shall comply with applicable laws, collective 
bargaining agreements (where applicable) and industry 
standards on working hours, breaks and public holidays. 
The normal work week, not including overtime, shall be 
defined by law but shall not exceed 48 hours. Personnel  
shall be provided with at least one day off following every 
six consecutive days of working. 

No discrimination
The organisation shall not engage in or support discrimination 
in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination 
or retirement based on; race, national or territorial or social 
origin, caste, birth, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, 
family responsibilities, marital status, union membership, 
political opinions, age or any other condition that could 
give rise to discrimination. The organisation shall not allow 
any behaviour that is threatening, abusive or exploitative, 
including gestures, language and physical contact, in the 
workplace and in all property provided by the organisation, 
whether it owns, leases or contracts the residences or 
property from a service provider.

Regular employment is provided
Obligations to employees under labour or social security 
laws and regulations arising from the regular employment 
relationship shall not be avoided through the use of labour-only 
contracting, sub-contracting, or home-working arrangements, 
or through apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent 
to impart skills or provide regular employment, nor shall any 
such obligations be avoided through the excessive use of 
fixed-term contracts of employment.

No harsh or inhumane treatment is tolerated
Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, 
sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms 
of intimidation shall be prohibited.

71

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
ETHICAL SOURCING CONTINUED

The health & safety of workers is paramount 
in all areas of our business, direct or otherwise. 
The Group continues to review its policies on 
ethical sourcing on a regular basis. We continuously 
assess factory ethical and quality management 
and work with our suppliers to improve conditions 
in the factories within our supply chain.

The Group recognises, especially in the wake of 
the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent rising 
raw material costs, that brands and retailers need 
to do more to address gross deficiencies in wage 
and other forms of compensation for workers in 
their supply chain. Further, paying a living wage 
creates an economy that works for everyone and 
leads to increased worker morale, worker health 
and improved quality of service. 

As a Group we define the living wage by using the 
Global Living Wage Coalition. This definition seeks 
to ensure that workers can afford decent housing, 
meet the basic needs of themselves and their 
families, and accumulate some savings, all without 
working overtime.

We acknowledge that the change required cannot 
be enacted in one phase. We started to evaluate 
our suppliers by reviewing our factory workers 
earnings in our own Tier 1 supply chain. We are 
working to find ways to encourage reward for 
workers for the increased private label business 
that results from consolidation of the supply base 
and to instil the principle that every worker has 
the right to fair compensation.

An analysis of the factories included in our 
JD and Outdoor supply chain showed that:

 – 54% of our factories pay more than 5% 
over the local national minimum wage 
to their workers.

 –  Just under half of our factories pay their 
workers more than 10% over the local 
national minimum wage.

 – 32% of our factories pay more than 

20% over local national minimum wages.

 – Almost 25% of our factories are paying 
over the local living wage (91% of these 
are based in China).

Top Five Countries Paying %  
Above National Minimum Wage
The graph below shows the top five countries in 
our supply chain paying above National Minimum 
Wage (and the % above NMW that is paid).

29%

28%

The number of suppliers paying  
% over National Minimum Wage

117

0-4%

20

5-9%

36

82

10-19%

20+%

19%

18%

The number of suppliers paying  
% over local living wage

a
k
n
a
L

i
r
S

i

a
d
n

I

i

a
n
h
C

r
a
m
n
a
y
M

7%

i

a
d
o
b
m
a
C

19

14

13

12

0-4%

5-9%

10-19%

20+%

72

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
m o d e r n   s l a v e r y
The Group recognises that human rights are 
fundamental principles which allow an individual 
to lead a dignified and independent life, free 
from abuse and violations. We will not tolerate, 
nor will we condone, abuse of human rights 
within any part of our business or supply chain. 
The Group is committed to complying with the 
applicable laws and regulations in all of the 
territories in which we operate. We will conduct 
ourselves with professionalism, honesty and 
integrity whilst working with our suppliers and 
third-parties to ensure our high ethical standards 
are maintained.

The target for the Group during 2020/21 and 
2021/22 was to evaluate the living wage. As our 
private label manufacturing is relatively small, 
and can be difficult to influence, it was important 
to build better partnerships with our supply 
base to encourage participation in working 
towards a living wage and other forms of 
compensation for workers in their supply chain.

The graphs on page 72 show the results 
of our initial evaluation of the factories within 
our supply chain used by the JD and Outdoor 
fascias against the local living wage and/or 
the National Minimum Wage.

s u p p l y   c h a i n
We have continued to map our supply chain 
to 4th Tier this year. This exercise requires 
continual engagement with our partners as the 
manufacturing chains beyond 1st Tier will often 
change due to demand and capacity. As a supplier 
of fully factored garments, our partnership did 
not extend to mills and dye houses historically 
although we recognise the need to develop 
these relationships further. 

Our supply chain by tier:

1st Tier

2nd Tier

3rd Tier

4th Tier

= CMT Site (Factory)

= Mill

= Dye House

= Print House

Summary of partners in the calendar year 
2021 vs 2020:

2021

191 Agents

536 factories

2020

176 Agents

496 factories

19 Sourcing countries

21 Sourcing countries

a u d i t   s t a t u s 
2 0 2 2   v s .   2 0 2 1
The protection of those workers in our supply 
chain is paramount and we will continue to 
have zero tolerance to critical issues identified 
by Group personnel or third party auditors, 
from physical working environment concerns 
through to anything that impacts workers or 
causes hardship or harm. The factories used by 
the Group are audited by accredited third party, 
specialist assessment and audit suppliers, as 
shown in the graph below. Of the remaining 15.8% 
of factories where an audit has not taken place, 
3.2% did not require an audit due to the low level 
of spend or where 2021/22 was the first year that 
the Group has worked with these factories and 
12.6% were delayed due to restrictions arising 
from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Audit status last year vs this year

Audit Required

2022

2021

2021

12.6

16.8

3rd Party Audit in date

2022

2021

No Audit Required

2022 3.2

2021

6.2

84.2

77.0

73

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Private Label Product Sourcing 2021/22 (£m)

Turkey
8.6

UK
1.8

Egypt
1.5

Other
2.0

Pakistan

24.6

Bangladesh

19.9

China

246.0

Sri Lanka
1.3

Portugal 
2.7

Myanmar 
3.4

Indonesia 
2.6

Cambodia 
2.1

India

19.8

ESG CONTINUED
ETHICAL SOURCING CONTINUED

s o u r c i n g 
o f   p r o d u c t
During 2020/21 we saw a decrease in our audit 
percentage to 77.0% against previous years 
where we typically maintained a threshold of at 
least 85.0%. This was due to the inclusion of our 
Iberian subsidiaries, Sprinter and Sports Zone, 
in the Group audit strategy which involved 
assessing their supply chain in its entirety and 
evaluating the audit detail. In 2021/22, we achieved 
an audit percentage of 84.2% against our target 
of ensuring at least 85.0% of our third party audits 
are in date which, given that our supply base 
has increased by 7.4% year on year due to new 
acquisitions and commercial private label growth, 
shows greater commitment to third party ethical 
audits by our partners.

Our main sourcing regions continue to be Asia, 
India, Turkey and Pakistan. The chart on the right 
illustrates the sourcing value in Sterling by country 
for all entities which source private label products.

Subcontracting is expressly forbidden without 
authorisation and verification. The Group regularly 
visits the factories that we work with to check 
production and standards. This is critical to promote 
the importance of longer-term relationships which 
we believe is the key to the protection of workers’ 
rights and working with the factories to achieve 
higher standards for workers.

It is the aim of the Group to ensure that all entities 
within the Group should comply with our policies. 
We will continue to work towards ensuring that 
all subsidiaries embed our policies into their 
businesses, including those subsidiaries which 
have been recently acquired.

74

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022t r a n s p a r e n c y
We recognise the need for transparency. We  
are committed to working with our suppliers 
in an open, constructive and transparent manner 
and we request that our suppliers apply the same 
approach to their own supply chain. There is a 
greater need than ever to make these standards 
and management systems part of our suppliers’ 
everyday business and for them to be able to 
demonstrate they are meeting this objective.

Our commitment to transparency requires publicly 
available information relating to the suppliers and 
partners with whom we work, both in the UK and 
overseas. This information is published on our 
interactive supply chain map and partner list 
which can be accessed on the corporate website 
at www.jdplc.com.

Across the Group, 222 audits have been carried 
out and evaluated during the 2021 calendar year. 
The full report can be found on our corporate 
website at www. jdplc.com. Non-compliances 
have been categorised according to issue type, 
root cause and severity level and action plans 
have been proposed to the factories to resolve 
and close the issues highlighted in the reports. 
The closed non-compliances evidence the 
commitment to improvements and solutions from 
both the compliance team and the factories to 
ensure that progress is made and workers have 
a safe and prosperous environment. Where there 
are still issues, the work continues to ensure that 
remedies are implemented, working with the 
factories and showing long-term commitment 
through rewarding progress.

p r i v a t e   l a b e l 
g o v e r n a n c e
Reach Compliance 
It is our priority to ensure that our product is safe 
and does not contain any hazardous or restricted 
substances. Suppliers are required to follow the 
most recent Restricted Substances List issued by 
the ‘AFIRM Group’ with further details available at 
https://afirm-group.com.

Our private label team works closely with third-
party experts to ensure we are in line with the 
most up to date legislation and scientific findings. 
In order to verify the supplier’s compliance with 
this policy we manage an ongoing stringent due 
diligence programme that encompasses random 
sampling Restricted Substances List (‘RSL’) 
testing conducted by our third-party testing 
house ‘Intertek’. 

As the Group expands into new territories, 
we regularly commission specialist training for 
all our Product Development team in the local 
legislation, for example Prop 65 in California. 

Product Safety Legislation
We are committed to providing safe compliant 
products that perform to a high standard. 
Working with third-party experts, we undertake 
regular training to ensure our Product Development 
team is up to date on all aspects of product safety 
and compliant with new legislation globally. With  
a particular focus on children’s safety standards 
we aim to design the risk out of the products at 
the earliest stages to provide safe, functional and 
fit for purpose products.

Product Testing
Our suppliers have online access, directly 
through our supplier portal hosted by ‘Intertek’ 
to all our standards and manuals. They complete 
their product testing via this portal to ensure we 
can track and verify their compliance. In addition, 
we have embraced the new methods available to 
assess microfibre shedding, testing all our high-
volume fabrics (IHTM method) with very positive 
results indicating very low shedding properties 
in all our most popular fabrics. We will continue 
to embrace all new developments and testing 
advances in this area.

75

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
OUR PEOPLE

The talented individuals working across the 
Group are integral to our continued success, 
delivering exceptional results year after year. 
Our people are without doubt our most valuable 
resource, with over 70,000 colleagues worldwide 
at the financial year end. We strive to create a 
workplace in which everyone is safe, supported, 
respected and has the opportunity to achieve 
their full potential. 

The strides we have made during the COVID-19 
pandemic continued to demonstrate our colleagues’ 
unwavering commitment to their roles and each 
other. In response, our People team has strengthened 
and expanded to support employee experience, 
focusing on engagement, culture, development 
and talent. This is achieved through promoting 
inclusivity, social mobility and mutual respect 
across the Group.

w e l l b e i n g
Colleague welfare remains a matter of 
paramount importance to us, and we want to 
help our colleagues to be the best version of 
themselves. The dedication and inspiring response 
to COVID-19 led to the launch of our Welfare 
campaign, concentrating on additional support and 
resources available across the Group as follows:

 – The number of Welfare Champions within the 
Group continues to grow. Members of our 
Wellbeing Network receive full training on 
appropriate welfare topics developed and 
delivered in house, with the opportunity to 
attend an accredited Mental Health First Aid 
course. Fantastic topics such as ‘Psychological 
Safety’, ‘Modern Slavery’ and ‘Personal Happiness’ 
are also available through a variety of different 
media formats. 

 – We were delighted to partner with Able Futures 
in 2021. Able Futures provides colleagues with 
a host of resources, including access to health 
care professionals and specialist support. 
We also announced a partnership with Salary 
Finance to assist colleagues’ financial wellbeing. 
This provides colleagues with access to financial 
advice around improving their financial situation 
and offers responsible financial products and 
education resources.

 – Colleague welfare is and will continue to be 

a priority for 2022 and beyond. We intend to 
enhance the size and scope of our Wellbeing 
Network through additional and new resources, 
including an exciting podcast series and 
interactive group sessions. 

 – The link between mental and physical health 
is well established and so, in addition to the 
support mechanisms in place for colleagues’ 
mental and financial wellbeing, we continue 
to promote physical fitness to our colleagues 

76

throughout the Group. Heart screening days 
were arranged in 2021 with our charity partners 
‘Cardiac Risk in the Young’ to give colleagues 
and their family and friends the chance to 
check their heart health. Scheduled Online 
Yoga sessions and access to subsidised Gym 
membership is also available. We continue to 
achieve excellence in the areas of Health & 
Safety and the protection of our colleagues 
in their working environment. As members 
of the British Retail consortium, the Group 
was instrumental in obtaining the signature 
of the Home Secretary to the Shopworkers’ 
Protection Pledge, whereby signatories 
pledge to support the legislation necessary 
to protect retail workers from violence against 
shopworkers nationwide. 

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022GENDER ANALYSIS

2022
The breakdown of the Plc 
Board and the Group as a 
whole by gender as at the 
end of the financial period 
ended 29 January 2022 is 
as follows:

2021
The breakdown for the 
comparative period as 
at 30 January 2021, is 
set out below:

Note: Senior Managers are 
defined as persons responsible 
for planning, directing or 
controlling the activities of a 
Group company or companies, 
a strategically significant part 
of a Group company or Directors 
of subsidiary undertakings.

Plc Board

Senior Managers*

Other employees

57%

Total

7

43%

 Male 4
 Female 3

69%

Total

844

31%

49%

Total

72,668

51%

 Male 586
 Female 258

 Male 35,250
 Female 37,418

Plc Board

Senior Managers*

Other employees

71%

Total

7

29%

73%

Total

559

27%

50%

Total

60,487

50%

 Male 5
 Female 2

 Male 409
 Female 150

 Male 30,003
 Female 30,484

d i v e r s i t y , 
e q u a l i t y 
&   i n c l u s i o n
We continue to educate colleagues on the 
important topics surrounding Equality, Diversity, 
and Inclusion. 

The Group continues to strive to create an 
environment where people feel welcome and safe, 
where they are treated with dignity and respect 
and where the talent and skills of all colleagues are 
valued. As founder members of Diversity in Retail, 
we encourage this approach both externally and 
internally, ensuring where possible that our support of 
all areas of society is reflected in our output on social 
media as well as within our culture as a business.

Our campaigns on LGBTQ+ Pride, Black History 
Month (in collaboration with Blueprint for All, 
one of our JD Foundation charity partners) 
and International Days for both women and 
men are just a few examples of the messages 
issued to promote inclusion and raise awareness 
of fairness and equality. Our colleagues are 
encouraged to challenge discrimination and bias 
as a part of their personal and professional lives. 

e n g a g e m e n t
As we invest in our colleagues, we want them to 
continue to invest in us and become enthusiastic 
ambassadors for the Group and its values. We  
remain informed of their opinions and challenges 
in order to ensure our resources are directed in 
the most effective way to improve our overall 
colleague experience.

The ‘Your Voice’ Colleague Engagement 
Programme ensures all Colleagues are provided 
with an opportunity to feed back on the internal 
successes and identify areas for improvement. 
This information is invaluable in shaping and 
informing on new people initiatives. The programme 
includes regular Colleague Feedback surveys which 
provide us with an overall engagement score for 
each sector of the business, measuring colleague 
pride and advocacy of the Group as an employer. 

In addition to these Feedback Surveys, further 
initiatives took place throughout the year to generate 
individual pieces of specific feedback from our 
colleagues. In every area of the business, this provides 
colleagues with a direct, anonymous line to our central 
functions who can act upon suggestions received.

Our Diversity & Inclusivity champions throughout 
the business also meet regularly to discuss Equality, 
Diversity and Inclusion topics, offering insights and 
lived experiences to contribute to how we can 
continue to ensure the Group is an inclusive employer.

Engagement forums meet regularly with each other 
to share observations from within the sectors in 
which they operate. The forums also regularly meet 
with the Board to discuss these matters and look 
at ways to improve the journey of our colleagues. 

Following colleague feedback around shaping 
a more inclusive, accessible and flexible working 
environment, we have introduced hybrid working 
and core working hours where practical.

All of these initiatives have delivered various 
additional benefits to colleagues and played a 
key role in ensuring those ideas create and drive 
change within the business and shape the future.

77

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
OUR PEOPLE CONTINUED

c o m m u n i c a t i o n
The delivery of key messages is crucial to ensuring 
our values are received and understood by our 
colleagues. Our communications platforms ensure 
that all appropriate channels are utilised for the 
dissemination of information throughout the Group.

k i c k s t a r t   s c h e m e
Over 700 people have joined through the Kickstart 
programme between April and September 2021 
with 15% of these being young people with barriers 
to employment, such as disabilities, homelessness 
and those leaving the care system.

Our new and improved online interactive magazine 
supports the visibility of activity across the Group 
and our community networks, advocating a sense 
of belonging.

t a l e n t   & 
d e v e l o p m e n t
Attracting and retaining talent remains a priority for 
the Group and we continually review our brand and 
our culture to attract and retain the best individuals. 
Our dedicated Development team produce and 
deliver material across the world to our colleagues 
on a broad range of subjects, covering operational, 
behavioural, leadership and technology. 

We reviewed how candidates apply for roles within 
the Group with the intention of removing barriers 
to application and continuing our commitment and 
agenda of fairness and inclusivity. Some of the 
actions have included removing names, addresses 
and educational levels from potential candidate 
CVs. We have also trialled the removal of CVs for 
the Kickstart scheme and some entry level roles 
to encourage inexperienced candidates to apply.

In addition to our current one year Graduate 
placement offering, we will also be introducing 
a two-year Graduate Programme across several 
different functional areas. We will also expand 
our offerings on Traineeships and T-Levels 
complementing the apprenticeship programme.

With thousands of courses available, including 
our industry leading Management and Supervisor 
Development programmes and our extensive early 
career choices, we are proud to encourage and 
provide different pathways for personal and 
professional growth. 

We currently have over 270 apprentices within 
the Group and have successfully recruited 40 of 
those externally. Our apprenticeship programmes 
are extensive and cover many different functions 
within our Retail, Distribution Centres and Head 
Office. Our pipeline for apprentices continues 
to grow and we have planned the conversion of 
60% of all entry level roles into apprenticeship 
programmes by 2023. In 2022 we will launch our 
Women in Engineering apprenticeship programme 
which is designed to drive diversity into this area 
of the business. Furthermore, we will also launch 
a bespoke digital apprenticeship programme 
designed to get inexperienced talent into this area, 
giving them the skills they need and developing 
them from within the Group.

78

Upon completion of their placement, 90% of 
the young people on the Kickstart scheme have 
been offered permanent roles within the Group 
and over 20% will progress onto an apprenticeship 
programme. We will continue to see this figure rise 
with the scheme now extended to March 2023.

We have now opened our scheme to include 
Kickstart placements within JD Gyms and our 
Size? fascia, further increasing the diversity of 
opportunities we can offer to these young people.

After the Kickstart scheme completes, we look 
forward to supporting and partnering with the 
Department for Work & Pensions on further 
initiatives including the new ‘Way into Work 
Scheme’ that was launched in March 2022.

Way into Work is a campaign designed to help 
people move back into the world of work and 
also fill our vacant early careers roles across Retail, 
Distribution Centres and Head Office by creating 
a further pipeline for new talent into the Group. 
We will co-design sector-based work academies 
which the Department for Work & Pensions will 
then fund and facilitate with groups of work-ready 
people. These academies will cover skills they will 
need in our roles and also give them employability 
support pre-interview, so they are fully prepared, 
ready and excited about a role with the Group. 
This will also facilitate a swifter, more agile 
recruitment process to get our roles seen and 
marketed across large groups of people for either 
permanent roles, work experience or apprenticeship 
programmes. Ultimately, they will support us with our 
commitment to engage with young people with 
barriers to employment.

c o m m i t m e n t   t o 
o u r   c o m m u n i t i e s
Across 2021, we worked with our JD Foundation 
charity partners and in collaboration with the 
Prince’s Trust to provide young people with real-
world careers advice and guidance. We created new 
and engaging content and delivered employability 
skills workshops, focusing on inspiring and 
educating young people through our mentorship 
programme. We look forward to continuing this 
great work with our JD Foundation charity 
partners. This includes our new affiliation with 
the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation, which 
works with young people from disadvantaged 
areas, focusing on access to sport, education 
and providing pathways into employment. 

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022The Group aims to attract and retain the best 
talent. The geographical reach of the Group 
provides opportunities for global progression 
within all international territories with career 
pathways across all levels and specialisms.

PAUL CLARKE, 
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, VM & 
CENTRAL RETAIL OPERATIONS
“I joined JD in 1996 as a Part-Time Sales 
Assistant. 26 years later, I’m proud to lead 
the Central Retail Visual Merchandising 
Team and the field Team across 23 
Countries. I love what I do but it’s only 
possible with the ‘best in class’ team 
I have around me.”

GANESH SINVAGULA, 
HEAD OF OPERATIONS, 
JD HYDERABAD
“The culture in JD enables me to work 
collaboratively with various teams and 
individuals across different locations 
whilst also feeling part of one global team. 
I’m fortunate to have a great team and 
the immense support of my colleagues 
and management at Head Office.”

SAM DAVIES,
RETAIL OPERATIONS MANAGER, APAC
“I have been with the business for 15 years, 
having joined as a Weekend Sales Assistant. 
One of my favourite aspects about JD 
is the opportunities that are available. 
Working internationally is something that 
I always wanted to do and JD has given 
me that chance.”

79

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
HEALTH AND SAFETY 

We are fully committed to continuous health 
and safety improvement across all areas of 
the Group and understand that it is the way we 
work and behave that protects our colleagues, 
customers and other stakeholders. 

Our Occupational Health provision offers health 
checks and support, both physical and mental, 
for employees and also enables the business to 
promote healthier lifestyles. The Retail Trust is 
also a key component of our wellbeing strategy, 
providing a free, confidential support service that 
aids the emotional and financial wellbeing of our 
people, their families and direct dependants in 
times of need. 

Our organisational structure defines individual 
safety responsibilities and duties to ensure that 
we provide and maintain safe and healthy working 
conditions, equipment and systems of work for all 
our colleagues.

We demonstrate this commitment through 
active leadership, promoting best practice and by 
setting specific and measurable targets each year. 
Our performance against these targets is reviewed 
at Board level and reported upon regularly. We  
ensure that adequate resource is provided to 
enable these targets to be achieved and to ensure 
the effective management of risk within the Group.

As the Group’s physical store base becomes 
more geographically dispersed, the risk of 
breaches in health and safety standards and 
regulations will naturally increase. To mitigate 
against this risk, we constantly review the level 
of resource dedicated to this important area to 
ensure that our Health and Safety team has the 
necessary personnel and other resources to 
manage the risk effectively. Breaches of Health 
and Safety regulations can happen though, 
and where they do, we take appropriate action 
and use any breach as a learning opportunity 
to ensure an even greater focus on health 
and safety improvement for the benefit of 
the public, our customers and our employees.

o u r   r e s u l t s
We can report the following for the year:

 –  For the third successive year, the Group has 

received an award from The Royal Society for the 
Prevention of Accidents in recognition of our UK 
retail health and safety performance. The Group 
was awarded a ‘Commended’ in the Wholesale 
and Retail Industry sector, which is one level 
higher than the Gold award previously achieved. 

 –  Our Kingsway Distribution Centre remained a 
British Safety Council, five star accredited site.

 –  There have been no Local Authority or Fire 

Authority enforcement notices served in UK 
and the Republic of Ireland during the year. 

The table below shows the number of enforcement 
notices served in the UK and the Republic of 
Ireland over the 10-year period since 2012 on 
a calendar year basis:

Enforcement notices served 2012 – 2021

2

3

1
1

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

0

0
0
0

0
0

In 2019 there were three Local Authority or 
Fire Authority enforcement notices served. 
In each case immediate action was taken to 
comply with all requirements and as a result 
the notices were withdrawn.

80

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022c o v i d - 1 9
The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant 
health and safety challenges. However, we 
continue to develop and establish revised 
working practices to ensure the safety of 
our colleagues, customers and visitors. 

The Health and Safety team assessed the risks 
faced by our colleagues, customers and other 
visitors as a result of COVID-19. The documented 
risk assessments produced for our retail, office 
and distribution environments set out the control 
measures required to reduce the risk of potential 
exposure to the COVID-19 virus. From the initial 
risk assessment, the appropriate teams developed 
operating procedures, visual messaging, procured 
personal protective equipment and hygiene 
products appropriate to their area of the business 
but following a consistent Group approach.

As guidance has changed, the risk assessments and 
control measures have been updated. This in turn 
has informed changes in the procedures of the 
teams, ensuring consistency across the Group. 
The control measures in place for our retail stores 
are published on our customer facing websites. 
Those in place for colleagues working in distribution 
and office based roles are communicated and 
regularly updated through internal channels.

Local authorities have visited our distribution centres, 
stores and gyms on multiple occasions to review the 
control measures that we have implemented. 

o u r   c o m m i t m e n t
Our commitment to continuous health and safety 
improvement is demonstrated by:

 – The further development across our European 

stores of our online induction and training 
programme ensuring every colleague has the 
competence, understanding and awareness 
to work safely and at minimum risk.

 –  Continued health and safety input in all our 

new and refitted stores from the initial design 
through to opening. Our health and safety 
team conducts its own audit programmes 
to ensure the highest safety standards are 
maintained during the construction phase 
of all our shop-fit projects.

 –  Continuous review of our policies and 

processes to ensure best practice in all 
areas of our business. During the year 
we have reviewed and revised various risk 
assessments across all areas of the business.
 –  Our quarterly Group and monthly Distribution 
Centre health and safety committee meetings 
allow colleague engagement in health and 
safety, with all colleagues having the 
opportunity to raise safety concerns 
through their committee representatives. 

 –  Bi-annual health and safety meetings held in all 
other European countries in which we operate.

 –  All UK Group companies with warehousing and 
distribution activities receive bi-annual internal 
health and safety audits to ensure compliance 
with Group health and safety standards.

o u r   f o c u s
Our focus in the coming year will be:

 – To retain the British Safety Council ‘five star’ 

accreditation for our Kingsway Distribution Centre.

 –  To retain the Royal Society for the Prevention 
of Accidents Award for our retail health and 
safety management.

 –  Continued safety management in all our stores 

and ensuring no Local Authority or Fire Authority 
enforcement notices are served on the Group.
 –  To further improve the level of compliance with 

Group standards in every territory.

 –  The further implementation of our health and 

safety information, training and record keeping 
software across all the European countries in 
which we operate.

 – The recruitment of an International Health 
& Safety Manager who will work with the 
International subsidiaries and joint venture 
partners to review health and safety procedures 
and ensure consistency with Group health and 
safety standards.

81

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Core Values
The Foundation’s aim is to ensure that disadvantaged children 
and young adults can achieve lasting change in their lives. The  
Foundation achieves this aim by staying true to its core values:

 – Creating resilient charities. The Foundation works closely 
with its charity partners by providing resource, in addition 
to money, to enable them to build a brighter future for 
themselves and the young people they support.

 – Working together. Building strong partnerships with 
its charity partners and providing opportunities for 
networking and joint working wherever possible.

 – Always compassionate. Listening to and empathising 

with the needs of its charity partners to understand their 
challenges and provide the relevant support.

 – Making things happen. Ensuring its charity partners are 

able to take action quickly when needed.

 – Young people at heart. The Foundation will continue to 

support the younger generation who are at the heart of the 
charity and continually strive to create a better future for them.

How the JD Foundation Supports its Partners 
The Foundation has delivered on its mission to support 
organisations tackling disadvantage by offering them 
funding and support, which has enabled them to provide 
support in various ways, examples of which are:

 – Providing a safe and inspiring place for thousands of 

young people during the pandemic.

 – The recruitment and training of volunteers to provide 
specialist support for issues such as suicide, bullying, 
modern slavery and child exploitation.

 – Providing homeless young people with hot meals 
and support to improve mental wellbeing and 
community engagement.

 – The development of an online service that provides 

mentoring, work placement, internships and 
employment opportunities for young people.

ESG CONTINUED
THE JD FOUNDATION 

CHANGING LIVES, 
SAVING LIVES

The JD Foundation (the ‘Foundation’)  
is a registered charity in the UK founded 
by the JD Group in October 2015. The mission 
of the Foundation is to support disadvantaged 
young people throughout the UK.

raised since  
October 2015

£4.1m
19 

charity partners 

donated so far  

£3.6m 
265k+ 

hours of support given

The Foundation receives 100% of the net proceeds from 
the sale of the Group’s carrier bags in England, Wales and 
Scotland and this is further boosted by fundraising activities 
that are undertaken by the Group’s employees. 

In 2021, the JD Foundation supported 19 charity partners with 
vital funding. On occasion, we are able to supply donations of 
sportswear and equipment, as well as crucial ongoing business 
support and guidance. All monies raised by the Foundation 
(excluding fees) are distributed amongst our charity partners, 
with a reserve left for emergency funding if required.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges 
that our charity partners are facing; tackling poverty, youth 
homelessness, unemployment and the loss of family members 
are just a few of the life-changing issues that our charity 
partners are dealing with. 

The JD Foundation continuously strives to be more than a 
funding body and aims to develop charities that leave a long 
term life-changing impression on their beneficiaries. As we 
join the post-pandemic road to recovery, we believe it is more 
important than ever to help to change lives and save lives.

82

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CHARITY PARTNERS IN FOCUS

Here are some examples of the positive work that the  
JD Foundation has undertaken with its charity partners. 

Further information on the JD Foundation can be  
found at www.jdplc.com/esg/social/jd-foundation

c a r d i a c   r i s k   i n 
t h e   y o u n g   ( ‘ c r y ’ )

All money raised by CRY is used to fund heart screening 
days for young people and adults aged 14-35. 

These vital screening days have supported free heart 
screening for 3,984 people, 740 of which have been 
directly funded by the JD Foundation.

Every Week
12 fit and healthy 
young people die of an 
undiagnosed heart condition

The JD Foundation is a Patron of HideOut Youth Zone, 
providing core funding to meet high operational costs 
and overheads. HideOut Youth Zone is a safe and 
inspiring place for thousands of young people aged 
8 – 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, 
to enjoy their leisure time. 

Young people attending HideOut are welcomed by 
a team of qualified staff and volunteers and take part 
in fun and engaging activities including sports, arts, 
music, media, dance, drama and much more. In addition, 
employability workshops raise aspirations and encourage 
participants to dream big and reach their full potential. 

83

YoungMinds is a charity supporting the mental 
health and emotional wellbeing of young people 
up to 25 years old across the UK.

The grants from the JD Foundation have helped 
YoungMinds to give essential support to over 
18,000 families via its Parents Helpline Service.

“ We are incredibly grateful for 
the JD Foundation’s continued 
support which will make a 
significant difference to our 
work. The pandemic has had a 
devastating impact on children 
and young people’s mental 
health and we must continue 
to be there for them at this 
truly crucial time. The grants 
from the JD Foundation will 
help us to do this and to achieve 
our mission of stopping young 
people reaching crisis point.”

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022ESG CONTINUED
GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT 

In addition to supporting charities and communities in the 
UK via the JD Foundation, we are committed to supporting 
local communities in the Group’s international territories 
and beyond. We want to share our values, help the socially 
disadvantaged and promote diversity and inclusion, 
empowering the urban youth of today.

The series has evolved over the past year to bring to light 
the challenges impacting other marginalised communities 
in the US, so that we can expand our allyship and education 
process. On many occasions, we have also been able to 
contribute monetary support to charitable organisations 
of our guest’s choice.

Everyone should be safe, supported and respected, treated 
fairly and taken care of, listened to, and motivated to achieve 
their full potential. These values are promoted to our local 
communities worldwide, empowering urban youths around 
the world. Examples of our global initiatives are as follows:

UK
The ‘Together We Can’ project is to raise funds in conjunction 
with ‘Pennies’, a national charity, through micro-donations 
at the till points. Following a successful trial roll-out of the 
project in December 2021 in our selected stores, the project 
is being implemented across JD and Outdoor stores throughout 
2022. In 2023, the project will be extended overseas and will 
give the Group a platform to provide education to those 
working in our factories, enhancing career opportunities 
and providing financial support in the form of universal 
food baskets which will indirectly help to bring the 
minimum wages closer to the living wage.

This is an ambitious project but will help change the lives 
of women and girls not only in the UK but around the world.

Europe
In addition to the outstanding projects undertaken in the 
UK by the JD Foundation to empower the youth of today, 
our EU-based businesses continue to promote our values 
with activities and initiatives to promote equality and 
opportunities for all.

We are proud that our subsidiary Sprinter, based in 
Alicante in Spain, has recently been presented with the 
Award for Employability from the University of Alicante for 
its commitment to youth employment and the promotion 
of business practices and training.

United States
Our businesses in the US continue to arrange initiatives 
that engage local communities and promote our values. 
We are committed to playing an active role in ending 
discrimination within the workplace and in our communities.

JD Finish Line made the commitment to support our 
customers, employees and the communities we live in, 
with programmes and initiatives to create a more diverse 
workforce and progress the careers and education of 
many of our employees, including in our stores and our 
Distribution and Customer Care Centres. JD Finish Line 
started a weekly interview series called Community 
Voices as part of our commitment to becoming better 
allies and educating ourselves, our customers and our 
employees on issues faced by the Black community.

Shoe Palace collaborated with Nike on a programme 
where community leaders from all facets of Los Angeles 
came together to work with a community organisation 
‘Runway 4 Peace’. They took a group of underserved girls 
from Inglewood California through a nine month journey to 
help them learn what sport and community mean to them, 
how to break barriers within their world and help change. 
This was achieved through a series of talk panels, workshops, 
and experiences. This ongoing series for young girls in our 
communities inspires them to lead mentally healthy, 
community based, fulfilled lives. 

DTLR has partnered with the Jalen Rose Leadership 
Academy, an open-enrolment, tuition-free public charter 
school in Detroit to alleviate the weight on parents of 
purchasing uniforms by providing them to the 130 incoming 
freshmen. Each scholar was gifted with two uniforms, free of 
charge, and their third will also be free, on behalf of DTLR. 
In conjunction with this newfound partnership, DTLR is also 
launching a scholarship, where one scholar from the Classes 
of 2025, 2026 and 2027 will be awarded with funds to attend 
a post-secondary institution. This partnership of uniforms 
and scholar Dollars is a three year agreement, after which 
DTLR hopes to extend the partnership and create outreach 
volunteerism opportunities for the scholars to participate in 
for years to come.

Asia Pacific
Each year in Australia, over 25 million pairs of shoes end up 
in landfill sites. JD Australia helped launch a global first in 
Australia in which we were part of an industry-wide footwear 
recycling programme. The pilot programme ran within the JD 
Victoria store and was so successful that it received federal 
government funding and is now available in every JD store in 
Australia. This footwear recycling initiative has diverted over 
100,000 pairs of shoes from landfill sites to date and the 
recycled by-product has been used, amongst many things, 
to create gym mats, sporting surfaces and retail flooring.

In addition to our Group-wide environmental commitments, 
we have consistently partnered with brands on campaigns in 
these areas to promote diversity and equality whilst helping 
those who need it most. We have participated in a number 
of local campaigns in the Asia Pacific area, where the impact 
on communities is of most immediate concern. For example, 
JD sponsored 10 female students under the ‘Better Me’ 
programme at Pratthanadee Foundation, a local organisation 
that empowers under-privileged women in Thailand. The 
‘Better Me’ programme is a nine month course comprising 
weekly three hour classes aiming to raise the employability 
of the participants.

84

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
GLOBAL INITIATIVES

c o m m u n i t y 
v o i c e s

Our commitment to amplify and 
fund under-represented voices 
with 90+ episodes.

Further information and episodes are 
available at https://blog.finishline.
com/category/community-voices/

j d   
t h a i l a n d

JD sponsored 10 female students under the ‘Better Me’ 
programme at Pratthanadee Foundation, a local 
organisation that empowers under-privileged women 
in Thailand. The ‘Better Me’ programme is a nine month 
course comprising weekly three hour classes aiming to 
raise the employability of the participants.

s h o e   p a l a c e 
x   n i k e   ‘ f o r   h e r ’

‘For Her’ is a monthly programme from Shoe Palace and 
Nike, where community leaders from all facets of Los 
Angeles come together to break down what sport and 
community mean to them, and how they are breaking 
barriers within their industries to help change the world.

d t l r   x   j a l e n 
r o s e   a c a d e m y

DTLR x Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a partnership 
of uniforms and scholar dollars is a three-year agreement, 
after which DTLR hopes to extend the partnership and 
create outreach volunteer-ism opportunities for the 
scholars to participate in for years to come.

j d   a u s t r a l i a

Over 100,000 pairs of shoes have been diverted from 
landfill to date.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S E C T I O N   1 7 2   S T A T E M E N T

Pages
14

26

33

102

76-79

77

77

100

34

55

67

100

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95

This statement sets out how the Directors have 
approached and met their responsibilities under 
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 and in 
particular how the Directors have satisfied 
themselves that they have acted in a way which is 
most likely to promote the success of the Group 
for the benefit of its members as a whole and, in 
doing so, have regard for stakeholders’ interests.

Further information on how s172 has been applied by the Directors 
can be found throughout the Annual Report: 

s172 duties

Consequences of 
decisions in the 
long term

Read more
Our Business Model & Strategy

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Viability Statement and Going Concern

This statement should be read in conjunction 
with the Stakeholder Engagement section on 
pages 87 to 91.

Interests of 
employees

Fostering business 
relationships with 
suppliers, customers 
and others

Impact of operations 
on the community 
and the environment

Board Activities

Our People

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Employee Engagement

Culture

Business & Financial Review

TCFD Disclosures

Sustainability

The Strategic Report on pages 4 to 91 
is approved by the Board of Directors.

By order of the Board 

Neil Greenhalgh 
Chief Financial Officer

22 June 2022

Maintaining high 
standards of 
business conduct

Culture

Whistleblowing

Acting fairly 
between members

Anti-bribery and Corruption

Modern Slavery

Shareholder Relations

Shareholder and Voting Rights

HOW THE BOARD FULFILS ITS S172 DUTIES

Each of the Directors is aware of their Director’s duties in respect of the s172 statement.

Board Awareness

Board Engagement

Our Board directly and indirectly engages with  
our stakeholders. See pages 87 to 91 for further details.

Board Strategic Discussion

The Board considers the impact of its 
decisions on our stakeholders.

Board Decisions

Outcomes of Board decisions are assessed  
and further engagement with stakeholders  
is undertaken where appropriate.

86

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022S T A K E H O L D E R   E N G A G E M E N T

CUSTOMERS

Key issues
The COVID-19 pandemic increased the uptake and enduring  
use of online retail by customers who now have elevated 
demands and expectations of delivery of product and 
associated service levels. 

Diversification of the digital and social landscape 
along with the challenge to stay relevant with our 
target customer audience.

Customers’ expectations for retailers to offer a 
seamless experience.

How we have engaged
We have embarked on a major programme to enhance 
the logistics network across the UK and Western Europe. 
This expansion allows for an increase in output capacity and, 
combined with the latest automated stock pick and carrier 
management technology, allows orders to be fulfilled 
globally in the most efficient way. 

We have worked with Chloe Burrows as JD’s first ever 
dedicated female ambassador and recently announced our 
new key influencer CHUNKZ to focus on YouTube community 
engagement. Our 2021 Christmas advert was created to 
engage and connect in a meaningful way to drive traffic 
both online and offline. 

For every JD UK in-store transaction, customers are 
prompted to provide feedback in two ways. First at the point 
of sale via a card machine, which contains a rating system for 
their shopping experience that day. General questions are 
provided in relation to the shopping/product/staff/transaction 
experience and additionally store specific questions can be 
tailored. The second method is via QR code on the customer 
receipt which brings the customer to an online customer 
satisfaction survey. 

Online customer sentiment is measured via Trustpilot surveys 
and monitoring of customers engagement with our customer 
services teams. When a customer finalises their engagement 
with our customer service team, they are prompted to 

How the Board took account of the engagement
The progress of the build, operation, capacity output 
and measurement of service level expectations at our 
Distribution Centres is regularly provided to the Board. 

The Board is regularly updated on the progress and 
achievements of the Group’s digital engagement.

The Head of Customer Care reports into the Chief Financial 
Officer, Neil Greenhalgh. A weekly report is provided to 
the Executive Directors and relevant stakeholders, which 
includes information and statistics on customer feedback 
via the above-mentioned measurement sources. In addition  

complete a short survey on their experience. Our online 
teams monitor all JD Group social media channels for any 
negative customer feedback or sentiment which may have 
been provided, for example by increased comments and/or 
sharing on social media platforms. 

Impact of engagement
This has resulted in an increase in meeting delivery service 
levels across our business, better service updates to our 
customers and enhancing our customers’ post-purchase 
customer experience. 

Our social engagement via high profile ambassadors has 
resulted in increased audience engagement. For example, 
our Christmas TV ad campaign was our most successful 
ever as the number one Christmas advert on YouTube with 
over 20 million views and was viewed more than 44 million 
times on TikTok. This helped make the JD Sports App the 
number one UK shopping app on both IOS & Android during 
the peak Christmas shopping period.

During the 2021/22 financial year, the point of sale feedback 
system has asked 11.6 million questions and the QR code 
customer satisfaction survey received feedback from over 
3,000 customers. These two methods provide insights into 
our customers enthusiasm for the JD offering and how we 
can improve the customer experience. 

During the 2021/22 financial year, there were over 100,000 
responses to the Trustpilot surveys. There has been a 
significant improvement over the last financial year in 
both Trustpilot and customer service survey satisfaction. 

the report monitors any increase in contacts with the JD 
Customer care team which may illustrate increased customer 
issues. This report is presented to the Executive Directors 
by the Head of Customer Care in a weekly trade meeting 
and relevant actions are agreed on and reviewed and 
analysed at subsequent trade meetings to assess their 
effectiveness. Periodically, the Board considers matters 
relating to supplier, shareholders, customer and employees. 
The Board continues to assess its engagement mechanisms 
to ensure they remain effective.

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

COLLEAGUES

Key issues
As the Group continues to expand, the business must 
ensure that constructive, relevant feedback is received 
from colleagues across the Group to ensure our employee 
policies remain attractive to a changing and increasingly 
diverse workforce.

How we have engaged
We continuously listen to our colleagues and remain 
dedicated to providing our teams with opportunities to 
contribute towards the success of the business. Our ‘Your 
Voice’ Colleague Engagement programme encourages 
feedback and suggestions from across the Group, which 
then informs our employee strategy going forward. 

Impact of engagement
Some key highlights of the programme’s impact include 
the introduction of our hybrid working policy, an improved 
internal communications strategy and a focus on how 
colleagues can get more involved in supporting the 
JD Foundation. This then led to the introduction of our 
Mentoring Network, which provides colleagues with an 
opportunity to work with young people with barriers 
to employment and deliver bespoke sessions, such as 
employability skills or ‘World of work’ – which offers  
insight into different careers. 

How the Board took account of the engagement
To enhance the two-way dialogue between colleagues 
and the Board, our People Experience team introduced 
a series of recorded sessions, where colleagues who are 
not forum members are provided with an opportunity 
to ask a question of their own choosing directly to our 
Executive Directors. The videos are then shared with 
the global business via People First, our online interactive 
magazine which enables colleagues to remain informed 
regarding the Group’s progress and strategy across 
all territories. 

88

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022SHAREHOLDERS

Key issues
The key issues in the financial year were:

 – Achieving a stable financial performance and 

growth profile despite ongoing adverse impacts 
of COVID-19, particularly in view of temporary store 
closures in many markets and supply chain issues 
for the international brands.

 – Ensuring shareholders have greater transparency on our 

financial performance and improvements in Environment, 
Social and Governance (ESG) issues.

 – Address shareholder concerns around the combined CEO 
and Executive Chair role and Board diversity. Ensuring  
that shareholders have reassurance on succession 
planning particularly in respect of plans to divide the 
Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer role.

 – Responding to shareholder feedback and implementing 

a revised remuneration structure with share-based 
incentives to ensure better alignment between Executive 
pay and long-term shareholder value.

How we have engaged
We have engaged with stakeholders as follows:

 – Maintained robust commercial, merchandising 
and financial disciplines and strong consumer 
connection, globally.

 – Participated in numerous road shows, fireside chats 
and one-to-ones with shareholders to communicate 
Group strategy and performance. 

 – Delivered an improved investor and corporate website 

with increased disclosure on key topics such as financial 
results, ESG performance and our policies. 

 – The Group held its second Capital Markets Day Event 

demonstrating to shareholders the strength and expertise 
across the Senior Leadership Team.

 – Engaged with Governance and Stewardship teams across 
various institutions to discuss feedback on ESG issues.

Impact of engagement
The impact of the engagement was:

 – The Group delivered its best profit performance to date, 

more than doubling its headline profit before tax from the 
year ended January 2021.

 – Positive feedback was received from investors who 
attended the Capital Markets Day which was held in 
October 2021. Investors were reassured by the strength 
and depth of expertise in the Senior Leadership Team.
 – The Board has made significant progress in its process 

to recruit new Non-Executive Directors who can positively 
contribute to the continued global development and 
momentum of the Group.

 – It is also fully compliant with the initiatives on Board 

diversity proposed by the Hampton-Alexander Review 
and the Parker Review.

 – The Board agreed to separate the roles of Chair and Chief 
Executive Officer to be in line with the recommendations 
of the Corporate Governance Code 2018.

 – The Remuneration Committee introduced a new 
Remuneration Policy with a share-based LTIP.

How the Board took account of the engagement
 – This is a relatively new Board with a number of new Non-
Executive Directors. However, its engagement on these 
key issues has begun and is ongoing with the Board 
appointing new Chairs for the Remuneration Committee, 
Nominations Committee and Audit & Risk Committee. 

 – The Board receives appropriately detailed Board papers 
prior to considering major strategic decisions and tests 
each decision against its overall objective to deliver 
long-term sustainable earnings growth and enhance 
total shareholder returns. 

 – The Board has also appointed a new Senior 

 – The Board ensures that acquisitions align with the 

Independent Director. 

overall corporate strategy.

 – The Executive Directors personally liaised with 

various investors and stewardship teams to collate 
feedback first hand to ensure shareholder interests 
are aligned with the Group. 

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SUPPLIERS

Key issues
 – JD’s status as a premier global strategic partner with key 
international brands is an important factor in the success 
of the Group.

 – A robust framework is in place for the protection of 

people working for our suppliers. From our Ethical Code 
of Practice to transparency on factory location and audit 
status, our team has engaged in continuous improvement 
with regard to private label suppliers. Our Ethical Code of 
Practice ensures that fundamental health & safety measures 
are in place, along with promoting and safeguarding the 
basic human rights of supply chain workers.

 – Our ESG Committee provides strategic guidance and 

management of supplier engagement, as outlined within 
the Environment and Social sections of the report. 

How we have engaged
 – We carry out regular audits of our factories and 
engage in extensive due diligence to ensure we 
understand where the components of the products 
that we manufacture are made and what the working 
conditions are like in those environments. 

 – We regularly engage with our largest suppliers of 
branded products on ESG-related risks, including 
our approach to climate change initiatives.

 – Members of the Senior Leadership team meet with the 

senior stakeholders at key suppliers (such as Nike, adidas, 
The North Face, Under Armour, VF Corp, New Balance) on 
a regular basis throughout the year to discuss relationships 
and to obtain supplier feedback. The wider JD business, 
including some members of the Senior Leadership team, 
are also in regular and frequent discussions with all 
such suppliers on day-to-day matters (such as product 
purchases, marketing campaigns and ongoing projects), 
during which ongoing and real-time feedback from 
suppliers is obtained.

Impact of engagement
 – The second and third tiers of the Group’s manufacturing 
supply chain have been successfully mapped (including 
mills and dye houses). This data is documented within our 
latest transparency map available at www.jdplc.com/esg/
modern-slavery/our-supply-chain.

 – Nike and adidas are committed to carbon reduction 
(including Net Zero) targets which align with those 
of the Group. 

 – The engagement with suppliers ensures the Group 
continues to be a key strategic brand partner of 
the international brands. By nurturing these key 
relationships, the Group aims to continue receiving 
the exclusive, differentiated footwear and apparel 
which our consumer desires.

90

How the Board took account of the engagement
 – The JD Ethical Code of Practice was reviewed by our 

ESG Committee and is shared with all suppliers. 
The Code follows the International Labour Organization 
minimum standards. As per the Social and Environment 
sections of this report, the continued international 
expansion of the Group ensures a wider network of 
people who operate in accordance with our Company 
values and standards.

 – The Board fosters and nurtures long-term relationships 
with the Group’s suppliers via this regular engagement, 
at both a Senior Leadership team and wider business 
level. Feedback to the Board allows the Group to share 
the key suppliers vision of an elevated consumer 
experience, while still considering the needs and support 
required by those key suppliers.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022COMMUNITY 

How the Board took account of the engagement
Regular updates on this matter are fed into the 
ESG Committee and reported to the Board. 

Key issues
Our business is highly regulated and we seek to engage 
constructively and build cohesive relationships with all 
governmental and regulatory bodies that regulate our 
business activities. 

Compliance with the Task Force on Climate-Related  
Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’), which was created by 
the Financial Stability Board to improve the accuracy 
and consistency of climate-related risks.

How we have engaged
This is the first year that a mandatory submission to 
the TCFD is required (we submitted voluntarily in 2021). 
We used our Carbon Disclosure Project gradings to make 
our TCFD submission. 

Impact of engagement
We have been rated as A- for Climate Change and ‘B’  
for water by the Carbon Disclosure Project, which is 
a global voluntary disclosure system, and is scored 
independently. The Carbon Disclosure Project is closely 
aligned with TCFD principles and we would anticipate our 
assessment by the TCFD to achieve the same excellent 
results as our Carbon Disclosure Project assessment.

91

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022B O A R D   O F   D I R E C T O R S

AN EXPERIENCED TEAM DELIVERING OUR
STRATEGiC 
ViSiON

KATH SMITH
Interim Chief Executive 
Officer (effective 
25 May 2022)
Aged 65

HELEN ASHTON
Interim Non-Executive Chair 
(effective 25 May 2022) 
Non-Executive Director 
Aged 49 

NEIL GREENHALGH
Chief Financial Officer
Aged 51

ANDY LONG
Non-Executive Director 
Aged 51 

Committee Memberships**
 A    R

Committee Memberships**
 A    N    R

Committee Memberships

Committee Memberships

Skills and Experience
Kath was appointed to the Board 
as a Non-Executive Director in 
May 2019. She has 40 years of 
executive experience building 
world-leading brands including 
Mars and Guinness. She is widely 
recognised as a leading figure in 
the sports, lifestyle and outdoor 
sectors with almost 20 years of 
experience as Managing Director 
of both the adidas and Reebok 
brands. Previously she was the 
General Manager and Vice 
President EMEA of The North 
Face, transforming the business 
and delivering unprecedented 
results. During the last three 
years, Kath has been developing 
her Non-Executive career. 

Skills and Experience
Helen was appointed to the 
Board in November 2021. 
She has 30 years of experience 
of working in public and private 
equity backed businesses 
and is a qualified chartered 
management accountant. As the 
former CFO of ASOS Plc, Helen 
has a deep knowledge of high 
growth, digital fashion in an 
international arena. She has 
also held Executive level roles 
at ASDA, Barclays and Lloyds 
Banking Group and CEO 
positions in high growth private 
equity backed businesses.

Skills and Experience
Neil joined the Group in 
June 2004 and was appointed 
Chief Financial Officer in 
November 2018 having been 
promoted from his previous 
role as Group Finance Director. 
Neil previously held a number 
of senior positions within 
the Woolworths Group and 
qualified as a chartered 
accountant with KPMG in 1996.

Skills and Experience
Andy was appointed to the 
Board in May 2021. He is 
currently the Executive 
Director at Pentland Group 
and was the CEO of Pentland 
Brands, the Pentland Group’s 
portfolio of sports and fashion 
brands, until the end of 2020, 
having previously held the 
roles of CFO and COO. Prior  
to joining Pentland, Andy 
held senior finance roles 
at Boots and Procter and 
Gamble and is a chartered 
management accountant. 

Key External Appointments
None

Key External Appointments
None

Key External Appointments
None

Key External Appointments
Executive Director at Pentland 
Group and a Board member at 
Sport England

92

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
 
AN EXPERIENCED TEAM DELIVERING OUR

STRATEGiC 
ViSiON

BERT HOYT
Non-Executive Director
Aged 66 

MAHBOBEH SABETNIA
Non-Executive Director
Aged 40

PETER COWGILL
Executive Chairman 
(departed 25 May 2022)
Aged 69 

Committee Memberships
 R    A    N

Skills and Experience
Bert was appointed to the 
Board in September 2021. 
Bert is recognised as one of 
the most eminent leaders in the 
sporting goods and sportswear 
industry in recent years and has 
significant experience of global 
markets. Prior to his retirement 
in January 2021, he held the 
position of Vice President 
and General Manager of Nike 
EMEA. He is acknowledged for 
transforming Nike’s business in 
Western Europe and EMEA over 
the last nine years, achieving 
substantial growth in revenues 
and profitability. Prior to his 
engagement at Nike, Bert spent 
10 years at Puma, of which six 
were spent as General Manager 
for Puma International.

Committee Memberships

Committee Memberships*

Skills and Experience
Peter was appointed Executive 
Chairman in March 2004 until he 
stepped down from his role with 
immediate effect on 25 May 2022. 

Peter was previously Finance 
Director of the Group until 
June 2001. Peter is a chartered 
accountant and founder of North 
West based chartered accountancy 
firm, Cowgill Holloway. In 2019, 
Peter was awarded an honouree 
doctorate (Doctor of Business 
Administration) from the University 
of Bolton for his outstanding 
contribution to business.

Skills and Experience
Mahbobeh was appointed to 
the Board in November 2021 
and is a strategic and results 
driven executive with significant 
digital transformation experience 
across various sectors. She  
has been at the forefront of 
e-business expansions, leading 
data-driven consumer insights 
to unlock value and framing 
new business propositions. 
Mahbobeh has an extensive 
track record delivering digital 
growth in global organisations, 
has held executive roles within 
Amazon.com Inc, McDonald’s 
Corporation, HSBC and Mars Inc. 
and is currently Chief Product 
Officer for GSK Consumer 
Healthcare. 

Key External Appointments
None

Key External Appointments
None

Key External Appointments
Non-Executive Chairman of 
Roxor Group Limited

Key

 N

 A

 R

Nominations Committee

Audit & Risk Committee

Remuneration Committee

Committee Chair

* 

 During the 2021/22 financial year 
and until he stepped down from 
his role on 25 May 2022, Peter 
Cowgill was a member of the 
Nominations Committee.

**   Kath Smith was appointed as Chair 
of the Nominations Committee 
with effect from 25 February 2022. 
Following Kath Smith’s 
appointment as Interim Chief 
Executive Officer on 25 May 2022, 
the Board considered whether 
she should continue as Chair of 
the Nominations Committee but, 
to ensure compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code, 
has concluded that this position 
should be held by the Interim Chair. 
This change was effective from 
7 June 2022.

93

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
D I R E C T O R S ’   R E P O R T

NEIL GREENHALGH  
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Pages 94 to 98 (inclusive) of the Annual Report, 
together with the relevant sections of the Annual 
Report, which are incorporated into these pages 
by reference, constitute a Directors’ Report, 
which is required to be produced by law and 
is prepared in accordance with applicable law. 
The Directors’ Report also includes certain 
disclosures that the Company is required to 
make by the Financial Conduct Authority’s 
Listing Rules and Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules (‘DTR’s’).

 – An assessment of the Group and Parent 
Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern. 

The Group is committed to establishing and 
maintaining good corporate governance practices 
(as set out in the Corporate Governance Report), 
which the Board believes is appropriate for the 
business of the Group and is fundamental for 
retaining effective and long term, sustainable 
relationships with its key stakeholders. 

Fair, Balanced and Understandable
The Board considers that the Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business model 
and strategy. A summary of the Directors’ 
responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report 
and Financial Statements is set out on page 131. 

Principal Activity
The principal activity of the Group is the retail 
of multibranded, sports fashion and outdoor 
clothing, footwear, accessories and equipment. 

In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, 
the Strategic Report on pages 4 to 91 contains:

 – A fair review of the business.
 – A description of the principal risks and 

uncertainties facing the Group.

 – Balanced, comprehensive and understandable 
analysis of the development and performance 
of the Group’s business during the financial 
year, including an assessment of relevant 
environmental, employee, social, community 
and human rights issues, together with the 
Group’s key performance metrics; in a manner 
which is consistent with the size and complexity 
of the business.

94

The Corporate Governance Report (pages 99 
to 105) is incorporated by reference into, and 
is deemed to form part of, this report. For the 
purposes of DTR 4.1.5R (2) and DTR 4.1.8, this 
Directors’ Report and the Strategic Report, 
which has been approved by the Board and 
is set out on pages 4 to 91, comprise the 
Group’s management report. 

Details of the Group’s use of financial instruments, 
together with information on policies and exposure 
to interest rates, foreign currency, credit and 
liquidity risks can be found in Note 21 to the 
financial statements. The information included 
in Note 21 is incorporated into the Directors’ 
Report and is deemed to form part of this 
Directors’ Report.

Share Capital
As at 30 January 2021, the Company’s issued 
share capital was £2,433,083 comprising 
973,233,160 ordinary shares of 0.25p each. 

On 3 February 2021, the Company completed the 
placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of 
the Company. A total of 58,393,989 new ordinary 
shares were issued, increasing the total ordinary 
shares in issue to 1,031,627,149.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
An Ordinary Resolution was passed at the Annual 
General Meeting, effective 30 November 2021, 
resulting in a share split whereby five ordinary 
shares were issued for each ordinary share. 
The share split increased the total number of 
ordinary shares in issue to 5,158,135,745. As at 
29 January 2022, the Company’s issued share 
capital was £2,579,068 comprising 5,158,135,745 
shares of 0.05p each.

Share Allotment Authority
The Directors were granted authority at the 
2021 AGM to allot shares in the Company and 
to grant rights to subscribe for or convert any 
securities into shares in the Company up to a 
maximum aggregate nominal amount of £44,845 
(which represented approximately 1.74% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 
1 July 2021). This authority is scheduled to lapse 
at the 2022 AGM. At the 2022 AGM, shareholders 
will be asked to grant a new allotment authority. 

At the 2021 AGM, a resolution was also passed to 
permit the Board to allot ordinary shares for cash 
on a non-pre-emptive basis both in connection 
with a rights issue or similar pre-emptive issue and, 
otherwise than in connection with any such issue, 
up to a maximum nominal amount of £44,845 
(which represented approximately 1.74% of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital). A new 
special resolution will be proposed at the 2022 
AGM to renew the Directors’ power in this regard.

Shareholder and Voting Rights 
All members who hold ordinary shares are 
entitled to attend and vote at the Company’s 
Annual General Meeting, save as set out in the 
Company’s Articles of Association. On a show 
of hands at a general meeting, every member 
present in person or by proxy shall have one 
vote and, on a poll, every member present in 
person or by proxy shall have one vote for every 
ordinary share they hold. Subject to relevant 
statutory provisions and the Company’s Articles 
of Association, holders of ordinary shares are 
entitled to a dividend where declared or paid out 
of profits available for such purposes. Details of 
the final dividend proposed is provided in the 
Dividends and Earnings per Share section on 
page 41.

Restrictions on Transfer of Shares
The restrictions on the transfer of shares in the 
Company are as follows:

 – The Board may, in its absolute discretion, 

refuse to register any transfer of shares which 
are not fully paid up (but not in a manner which 
prevents dealings in listed shares from taking 
place), or which is in favour of more than four 
persons jointly or which is in relation to more 
than one class of share.

 – Certain restrictions may, from time to time, be 
imposed by laws and regulations for example, 
insider trading laws.

 – Restrictions apply pursuant to the Listing 

Rules (‘LR’) and the Market Abuse Regulation 
(‘MAR’) of the Financial Conduct Authority. 
The Company has in place a share dealing 
policy which includes processes which must 
be followed to ensure that any transfer of shares 
activity is conducted in compliance with MAR 
and the LR and that all Directors and certain 
Company employees obtain prior approval 
before dealing in the Company’s shares.

The Company is not aware of any arrangement 
between its shareholders that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of shares and/or 
voting rights. 

Substantial Interests in Share Capital
As at 29 January 2022, the Company has been 
notified of the following significant holdings of 
voting rights in its ordinary share capital pursuant 
to the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority:

Number of 
ordinary 
shares/voting 
rights held

% of ordinary 
share capital

Pentland Group Plc

2,676,391,195

Fidelity Management 
and Research Co

303,131,027

Black Rock Inc

236,903,884

51.9

5.9

4.6

After the financial year end, Fidelity Management 
and Research Co’s shareholding reduced to 4.9% 
and Black Rock Inc’s shareholding increased to 
4.8%. As at the latest date prior to the publication 
of this report, the Company has not received 
any further notifications in regard to substantial 
shareholdings under the Disclosure Guidance 
and Transparency Rules.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Relationship Agreement
In accordance with LR 9.2.2 AD R (1), the Company 
has in place a legally binding relationship agreement 
with its controlling shareholder, Pentland Group 
Limited. The Company has complied with the 
undertakings included in the relationship agreement 
during the period under review. So far as the 
Company is aware, the undertakings in the 
agreement have also been complied with by 
both Pentland Group Limited and its associates 
during the period under review.

Directors
Details of all persons who were Directors at 
the financial period end including their roles and 
brief biographical details are set out on page 92. 
The following appointments and resignations 
occurred during the financial year:

 – Andy Rubin, resigned 6 May 2021.
 – Andy Long, appointed 6 May 2021.
 – Andrew Leslie, resigned 1 July 2021.
 – Martin Davies, resigned 9 July 2021.
 – Bert Hoyt, appointed 8 September 2021.
 – Helen Ashton, appointed 15 November 2021.
 – Heather Jackson, resigned 29 November 2021.
 – Mahbobeh Sabetnia, appointed 

29 November 2021.

After the financial year end, Suzi Williams was 
appointed on 16 May 2022 as Non-Executive 
Director. On 25 May 2022, Peter Cowgill stood 
down as Executive Chair and Chief Executive 
Officer with immediate effect. Helen Ashton was 
appointed as Interim Non-Executive Chair and 
Kath Smith was appointed as Interim Chief 
Executive Officer. 

The Directors are responsible for the management 
of the business of the Company and, subject to 
relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and 
the Company’s Articles of Association (‘Articles’), 
the Directors may exercise all of the powers of 
the Company and may delegate their power 
and discretion to committees, as they see fit. 

There are no agreements between the Company 
and its Directors or employees providing for 
compensation for loss of office or employment 
(whether through resignation, purported 
redundancy or otherwise) that occurs because 
of a takeover bid.

96

Directors’ Interests
Details of Directors’ interests and those of their 
connected persons in the share capital of the 
Company are set out on page 125. This information 
is incorporated into this Directors’ Report by 
reference and is deemed to form a part of it.

Appointment and Replacement 
of Directors
The Company’s Articles of Association provide 
that the Company may by ordinary resolution 
at a general meeting appoint any person to act 
as a Director, provided that (where such person 
has not been recommended by the Board) notice 
is given by a member entitled to attend and vote 
at the meeting of the intention to appoint such a 
person and that the Company receives, among other 
information, confirmation of that person’s willingness 
to act as Director. The Articles also empower the 
Board to appoint as a Director any person who is 
willing to act as such. The maximum possible number 
of Directors under the Articles is 20.

In addition to the powers of removal conferred 
by statute, the Company may by ordinary 
resolution remove any Director before the 
expiration of his or her period of office. 
The Articles also set out the circumstances 
in which a Director shall vacate office. 

The Articles broadly require that at each AGM 
one-third of eligible Directors shall retire from 
office by rotation and may stand for re-election 
and that any Director who was appointed by 
the Board after the previous AGM must retire 
from office and may stand for election by the 
shareholders. Additionally, any other Director 
who has not been elected or re-elected at one 
of the previous two AGMs must also retire from 
office and may stand for re-election.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Articles, 
the Board has determined that all the Directors 
will stand for re-election at the 2022 AGM 
in accordance with the best practice 
recommendations of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code.

The number of Directors at any one point in time 
shall not be less than two. 

Amendment of the Company’s 
Articles of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may only 
be amended by a special resolution at a general 
meeting of shareholders. 

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Change of Control – 
Significant Agreements
In the event of a change of control of the 
Company, the Company and the lenders of the 
£700 million bank syndicated facility shall enter 
into an agreement to determine how to continue 
the facility. If no agreement is reached within 20 
business days of the date of change of control, the 
lenders may, by giving not less than 10 business 
days’ notice to the Company, cancel the facility 
and declare all outstanding loans, together with 
accrued interest and all other amounts accrued 
immediately due and payable.

Employees
The Our People section on pages 76 to 79 provides 
information on the Group’s approach to people 
and how the Group attracts, retains and develops 
its employees. The Strategic Report also sets 
out a summary of the measures recently adopted 
by the Group to improve the way it engages with 
its employees. 

As required under the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018, the Group has made further progress 
regarding its stakeholder engagement programme. 

The focus of this remains ensuring that the Group’s 
employees are well informed about any material 
organisational changes in the Group and all 
significant matters which may affect the Group’s 
financial performance. 

Our engagement initiatives continue to go from 
strength to strength, further connecting our 
people to ensure meaningful two-way dialogue 
continues between the business and its colleagues 
via our established communication channels. 

The Group’s employee forums are well established and 
now engage with and comprise of representatives of 
every area of the Group’s business. On a regular 
basis, the employee forum met with the Group’s 
former Executive Chair. It is the Directors’ view 
that this regular meeting provided an opportunity 
for a transparent and meaningful conversation 
between a sample of employees at varying levels 
of the Group and the former Executive Chair and 
was, therefore, the most effective method of 
workforce engagement. The Executive Chair then 
provided feedback on these sessions to the rest of 
the Group’s Board of Directors. Any appropriate 
follow up actions or items to address would be 
progressed, as appropriate, by the HR Director and 
the HR Department. The Directors considered a 
number of other forms of engagement, including 
those suggested by the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, however, it holds the view that its current 
chosen method has prompted positive interaction 
between the workforce and the Directors and has 
allowed the Directors to incorporate the feedback 
provided into its decision making processes.

In addition, a key factor in the Group’s employee 
remuneration strategy is encouraging the involvement 
of all employees in the Group’s performance so 
that every employee feels they have an important 
contribution to make in this regard. Full details of 
the Group’s remuneration strategy are set out in 
the Remuneration Report on pages 114 to 130. 

Further details on how employee engagement is 
taken into account in the principal decision making 
process is set out in the Stakeholder Engagement 
section on page 88.

Levels of support for colleagues have also 
increased with a number of resources employed 
to assist those in need in areas including, but not 
limited to, wellbeing at work, first aid and financial 
wellbeing. Our membership of the British Retail 
Consortium resulted in a pledge from the Home 
Secretary to protect retail workers from violence 
nationwide, meaning this support is not limited to 
our internal activities.

The Group is committed to promoting equal 
opportunities in employment regardless of age, 
disability, gender reassignment, marriage and 
civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race 
(which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or 
national origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual 
orientation. Recruitment, promotion and the 
availability of training and development at all areas 
within the Group are based on the suitability and 
merit of any applicant for the job and full and fair 
consideration is always given to disabled persons 
in such circumstances. 

Should an employee become disabled during their 
employment by the Group, every effort is made 
to continue the employment, development and 
training of the employee in question within their 
existing capacity wherever practicable, or failing 
that, in an alternative suitable capacity.

Further information regarding the Group’s 
approach to equality and diversity is set out 
in the Strategic Report on page 77.

Suppliers, Customers and Others
Details of how the Directors have had regard to the 
need to foster the Group’s business relationships 
with suppliers, customers and others, and the 
effect of that regard, including on principal 
decisions taken during the financial year, can be 
found in the Stakeholder Engagement section on 
pages 87 to 91.

Post Balance Sheet Events
Details of post balance sheet events are provided 
in Note 34 of the financial statements.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Future Developments
Future developments are discussed throughout 
the Strategic Report on pages 4 to 91.

Disclosure of Information to the Auditor
Each person who is a Director at the date 
of approval of this report confirms that:

Political Donations and Expenditure
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries 
has made any political donation or incurred 
any political expenditure during the period 
under review.

Research & Development
During the financial period ended 29 January 2022, 
the Group engaged in Research & Development 
activity in relation to technological advances in 
the Group’s multichannel solution.

Energy consumption and emissions
Information about greenhouse gas emissions, 
energy consumption and energy efficiency action 
are shown in the Corporate and Social Responsibility 
report on page 63. This information is incorporated 
into this Directors’ Report by reference and is 
deemed to form part of it. Details of the energy 
efficiency action taken by the Group in 2020/21 
can be found on page 118 of last year’s annual 
report at www.jdplc.com.

Auditor
As set out on page 113, the Audit & Risk 
Committee has recommended that KPMG LLP 
be re-appointed as auditors for the financial 
year 2022/23. KPMG LLP have indicated their 
willingness to continue in office as auditor of 
the Company. A resolution proposing their 
re-appointment will be proposed to shareholders 
at the forthcoming AGM. For further details 
regarding the audit tender process that was 
undertaken during the 2021/22 financial year, 
please refer to page 113 of the Audit & Risk 
Committee report.

 –  So far as they are aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s 
auditor is unaware; and

 –  Each Director has taken all the steps that 
they ought to have taken as a Director 
to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Annual General Meeting 
The Company’s AGM will be held on Friday 22 July 
2022 at the offices of Addleshaw Goddard LLP, 1 
St. Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 3DE. The notice 
of this year’s AGM is included in a separate circular 
to shareholders. This notice will be available to 
view under the ‘Investor Relations’ section of the 
Company’s website (www.jdplc.com/investor-
relations). If, however, restrictions upon public 
gatherings are in place at the time of the AGM, 
the Board will consider the need to hold the 
AGM as a closed meeting or subject to other 
restrictions on attendance. 

By order of the Board 

Neil Greenhalgh
Chief Financial Officer

22 June 2022

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JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022C O R P O R A T E   G O V E R N A N C E   R E P O R T

“ The Board’s role is to ensure 
that the Group is led in a 
manner which protects the 
long-term interests of its 
shareholders whilst also 
balancing and promoting 
the interests of its other key 
stakeholders, including its 
employees and suppliers.” 

NEIL GREENHALGH  
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The Board promotes the principles set out in the 
UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 as issued 
by the Financial Reporting Council (‘FRC’) (the 
‘Code’). This report sets out how the Company 
has applied the main principles set out in the Code. 
The statement of the Company’s compliance with 
the relevant provisions of the Code is set out on 
page 105. This report includes relevant provisions 
of the Code, where appropriate. The full Code can 
be found on the FRC website (www.frc.org.uk). 

Matters Reserved for the Board
The Board has a formal schedule of matters 
reserved specifically to it for decisions 
which include:

 –  Strategic decision making and shaping of 

future strategy.

 –  Approval of the Group’s financial statements.
 –  Corporate acquisitions and disposals.
 –  Significant capital projects. 

Board Composition
At the financial year end, the Board comprised 
seven Directors: the former Executive Chair, the 
Chief Financial Officer and five Non-Executive 
Directors. The name, position and a brief profile 
of each Director is set out on page 92. Kath  
Smith was appointed as Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director on 25 February 2022. 
The previous Senior Independent Director was 
Martin Davies who left the Board on 9 July 2021. 
There was no designated Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director in between these dates. 

Peter Cowgill had been in his role for more than 
nine years. At its 2021 AGM on 1 July 2021, the 
Group announced, with the support of Peter 
Cowgill, that it intended to divide the role of 
Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer 
before the 2022 AGM. On 25 May 2022, the 
Group announced that it had decided to 
accelerate the separation of the roles of Chair 
and Chief Executive Officer. Peter Cowgill stood 
down as Executive Chair and Chief Executive 
Officer with immediate effect. Helen Ashton 
was appointed as Interim Non-Executive Chair 
and Kath Smith was appointed as Interim Chief 
Executive Officer. For further details, please 
see the Statement from the Board on page 4.

The matters reserved for the Board are kept under 
continual review to ensure they remain appropriate 
in light of the size of the Group and the nature of 
its activities. 

Board Leadership
The Board’s role is to ensure that the Group is led 
in a manner which protects the long term interests 
of its shareholders, whilst balancing and promoting 
the interests of its other key stakeholders, including 
its employees and suppliers.

The Board is responsible for the direction, 
management and performance of the Company. 
The Directors act together in the best interests 
of the Group via the Board and its Committees. 
The Board held 11 scheduled Board meetings 
during the year under review and ad hoc meetings 
were held in between scheduled meetings, where 
required. Director attendance at scheduled Board 
and Committee meetings is set out in the table on 
page 101. 

Group Purpose
The Group’s purpose is to be a leading international 
multichannel retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor 
brands with core values of connecting with 
consumers through continual investment in our 
store portfolio, nurturing our global branded 
supplier relationships and improving our 
sustainability and financial performance. 

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

How the Board contributes to the delivery 
of the Group’s strategy and purpose:
 – The Board receives appropriately detailed 
Board papers prior to considering major 
strategic decisions and tests each decision 
against the Group’s strategic objectives.
 – The Group’s status as a premier strategic 

partner with international brands is an important 
factor in the strategy and success of the Group 
and the Group’s relationship with these key 
brands is discussed at regular Board meetings. 
There are robust Board approval procedures in 
place to ensure that acquisitions and expansion 
into new territories align with the overall 
corporate strategy and further develop 
these brand relationships.

 – The Chief Financial Officer, as ESG Committee 
Chair, is appraised of climate-related issues 
both informally and formally on a regular basis. 
The Chief Financial Officer will then provide 
updates as required during the regular Board 
meetings. Furthermore, the Board is informed 
of climate-related issues, updates and metrics 
via formal Board reports which are circulated 
on a monthly basis. Ad hoc sessions are also 
held where the ESG Committee will present 
updates regarding specific issues, achievements 
and metrics to the Non-Executive Directors.

 – Representatives from our ESG Committee 

undertake regular engagement sessions with 
our largest third-party brands to monitor their 
continued global leadership with regards to 
sustainable product innovation, commitments 
to reduce the impact of climate change and 
supply chain transparency.

 – It is the Board’s strong belief that if colleagues 
feel supported, respected and empowered to 
achieve their ambitions regardless of background, 
this will ultimately promote the long-term success 
of the Group. The culture section provides 
further details regarding the Board’s two-way 
dialogue with our colleagues and the Our People 
section on page 76 explains how we continue to 
promote wellbeing, diversity, inclusion and 
equality across the Group.

How the Group generates long-term 
sustainable value:
The Board considers that the following align with 
the Group’s strategic objectives and generate 
long-term sustainable value:

 – The Group operates from a stable financial base 

with a history of strong revenue and profit growth 
over a sustained period. The Group has delivered 
total shareholder returns (‘TSR’) with reference to 
the graph on page 126 which compares the 
Group’s TSR with the FTSE All Share General 
Retailers Index over the past 10 years.

of key risks in the fast-paced retail environment in 
which the Group operates. This involves applying 
severe but plausible scenarios and assessing the 
impact on the financial position and performance 
of the Group. For further details see our Viability 
Reporting on page 33.

 – The Group supports the economies in the 

territories in which it operates by providing 
employment both in the UK and internationally. 
At the financial year end, the Group 
employed 73,519 people (2021: 61,053).
 – The Group takes a responsible approach 
to the management of taxes and aims to 
work transparently and collaboratively with 
all stakeholders. The Group is committed to 
paying the right amount of tax, in the right 
place, at the right time. It recognises the 
importance of respecting the spirit and 
letter of the law, including allocating value 
by reference to where it is created, managing 
it within the normal course of commercial 
activity and paying the associated tax.

 – The Group’s global empowerment section 

on page 84 explains how we promote 
our values through our global initiatives, 
supporting communities in the Group’s 
international territories and beyond.

Culture
The Board strives to build a diverse and inclusive 
team who promote the values of the Group. We  
strive to create a workplace in which everyone is 
safe, supported and respected, treated fairly and 
taken care of, listened to and motivated to achieve 
their full potential. This is achieved by educating, 
informing and responding to our colleagues.

We assess and monitor culture in the following ways:

 – Through the creation of a new Experience team 
within our People team. The focus of this team is 
to engage with all colleagues to ensure that all 
experiences, values and voices across the Group 
are provided with appropriate platforms to engage 
in meaningful two-way dialogue with the Board.

 – Engagement and attendance at forums by 

Executive Directors to listen to the issues that are 
important to our colleagues. Issues are relayed 
back to the Board at the regular Board meetings 
supported by the Group’s People Director.
 – Inclusion of relevant information within the 
reporting packs that are circulated to the 
Board on a monthly basis.

 – Annually reviewing the whistleblowing policy. 
The mechanisms for employees to access 
whistleblowing channels has been recently 
reviewed to ensure that they are effective.

During the year:

 – On an annual basis, the future viability of the 
Group is internally assessed over a three-year 
period by considering the potential future impact 

 – We continued to promote the values that 
underpin the Group’s culture through our 
global initiatives. Further details of some 

100

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022of the initiatives undertaken in the year can 
be found on page 84 or on our corporate 
website at www.jdplc.com/esg/social/global-
empowerment.

 – The Group continued to achieve excellence in 

the areas of Health & Safety and the protection 
of our colleagues in their working environment. 
For the third successive year, the Group has 
received an award from the Royal Society for 
the Prevention of Accidents in recognition of 
our UK retail health and safety performance.
 – As members of the British Retail Consortium, 
the Group was instrumental in obtaining the 
signature of the Home Secretary to support the 
legislation necessary to protect retail workers 
from violence against shopworkers nationwide.

As a result of the recent Non-Executive Director 
resignations and appointments, the Board is 
relatively new. Engagement will continue in the 
short term to embed the Group’s culture and 
values with the aim of marrying the Group’s 
entrepreneurial culture and competitive spirit 
with the planned improvements to ensure that 
an enhanced governance, risk and internal 
controls framework is in place. For further details 
on these planned improvements, please see the 
Audit & Risk Committee report on pages 108 to 113.

Succession Planning
The main focus of the Board’s objectives this year 
has been succession planning in three key areas: 

 – the role of Chair/Chief Executive Officer;
 – the composition of the Board; and
 – the strength and development of the Senior 

Leadership Team.

Each succession programme has unique methods 
and objectives but ultimately is centred around 
securing the future long-term success of the 
Group’s business. An overview of the Board’s 
composition and succession activities, during the 

course of this year, is set out on pages 106 and 107 
of the Nominations Committee report.

The independence of the Non-Executives is carefully 
considered by the Board on a continual basis:

 – Bert Hoyt was formerly appointed as Head 

of Europe for Nike, the Group’s largest supplier. 
The Nominations Committee considered Bert’s 
independence and was satisfied with this position 
given the gap of one year in between Bert leaving 
Nike and subsequently joining the Group as a 
Non-Executive Director.

 – It is acknowledged that Kath Smith cannot 

currently act as Senior Independent Director 
following her appointment as Interim Chief 
Executive Officer on 25 May 2022. It is the 
Board’s intention that she will revert back to 
her former role upon the appointment of a 
permanent Chief Executive Officer. Based on 
the current progress in this search, the Board 
expects that Kath Smith will resume her role as 
Senior Independent Director before the end of 
the financial year, meaning that the Group is 
compliant with this aspect of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code for the start of the next 
financial year.

 – All other Non-Executives, save for Andy Long, 

are considered to be independent by the Board. 
Andy Long is an Executive Director at Pentland 
Group and is therefore not considered by the Board 
to be an independent Non-Executive Director.

The Board considers that all Directors are able to 
devote sufficient time to their duties as Directors 
of the Company. The brief biographical detail on 
pages 92 to 93 includes details of the former 
Executive Chair’s other key external appointment. 
The Board was satisfied that the limited time 
commitment required for the former Executive 
Chair to perform his other appointments and roles 
did not conflict with his ability to carry out his role 
effectively for the Group. 

Attendance at Board and Committee Meetings

Year to 29 January 2022

Total number of meetings
P Cowgill

N Greenhalgh

A Leslie

M Davies

H Jackson

A Rubin

K Smith

A Long

B Hoyt

H Ashton

M Sabetnia

Board Meetings

Remuneration 
Committee

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

11
11

11

7

7

9

4

11

7

3

2

1

2
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1

 – 

2

 1** 

 1 

 1 

 1** 

4
1*

4*

1

1

3

1

4

 – 

1

1

 – 

4
4

 – 

1

1

3

 – 

4

 – 

1

1

 – 

* 

 P Cowgill and N Greenhalgh attended the meetings as annotated in the table above at the invitation of the members of those 
Committees in order to provide additional detail on day-to-day matters arising at such meetings and to assist the Committee 
members with the matters delegated to the Committee as deemed appropriate.

** These Non-Executive Directors were present during the meeting but as observers only.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

A summary of the rules that the Company has in 
place about the appointment and replacement of 
Directors is set out on page 96. Notwithstanding  
the provisions of the Company’s Articles regarding 
the retirement of Directors, the Board determined 
that all Directors will retire at the 2022 AGM and 
offer themselves for re-election in accordance 
with the best practice recommendation of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code.

Board Diversity
An overview of the Board’s composition with 
regards to diversity is set out on page 107 of the 
Nominations Committee report.

Activities of the Board During the Year
The Board has undertaken a number of activities 
during the year including:

 – Approved a number of key strategic 

corporate acquisitions to further develop 
the international growth of the Group 
(see Note 11 of the financial statements).

 – Appointing BDO LLP to undertake a review of 
the Group’s compliance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. This review was led by a 
sub-committee of the Board including Senior 
Independent Director, Kath Smith and Helen 
Ashton, Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. 
The sub-committee was chaired by Kath Smith. 
Further detail is provided in the Audit & Risk 
Committee report on page 109.

 –  Assessing the key regulatory risks posed 
to the Group and the various measures 
being implemented to counter this risk 
on an ongoing basis including in relation to 
regulatory frameworks such as competition law. 
Since the year end, the Board has engaged 
external advisors to carry out a number of 
independent investigations into certain matters 
including regulatory issues. For further details, 
please see page 108.

In order to assist the Board in its effective 
review and decision making regarding the 
Group’s activities, Board papers are circulated 
to Directors prior to Board meetings which 
include up-to-date financial information, reports 
from the Executive Directors, a summary of key 
risk and compliance issues and papers on major 
issues for consideration by the Board. The Board 
has a formal procedure for Directors to obtain 
independent professional advice.

All newly appointed Directors receive an 
appropriate induction when they join the Board. 
Relevant training is arranged throughout the year 
as deemed appropriate including the attendance 
at Board meetings by external legal specialists 
and/or the circulation of advice notes.

From time to time, the Non-Executive Directors met 
with the former Executive Chair without the other 
Director present to discuss Board performance and 
other matters considered appropriate.

Board Evaluation
As an externally facilitated Board evaluation was 
carried out during 2020/21, the Board deemed 
it appropriate to carry out an internal evaluation 
of its performance during 2021/22.

The evaluation exercise required the Board 
members to score themselves individually 
and the Board as a whole on topics such as:

 – The Board’s contribution to the shaping of 

the Group’s strategy.

 –  An assessment of the effectiveness of the 

Group’s risk management approach.

 – The process of sharing information with the Board 

to allow appropriate and effective interaction 
between the Board and the rest of the Group.
 – The Board’s expertise and skills in the context 

of the Group.

 – The effectiveness of the Committee and 
the relevant expertise and experience of 
Committee members.

 – The decision making process adopted by 

the Board and the Senior Leadership Team.

All evaluation responses were collated and will be 
discussed at a future Board meeting.

Insurance Arrangements
The Company, through its majority shareholder 
Pentland Group, maintains Directors’ and Officers’ 
liability insurance, which is reviewed at appropriate 
intervals to ensure it remains fit for purpose. 

Conflicts of Interest
The Company’s Articles of Association permit the 
Board to consider and, if it sees fit, to authorise 
situations where a Director has an interest that 
conflicts, or possibly could conflict, with the 
interests of the Company. The Board considers 
that the procedures it has in place for reporting 
and considering conflicts of interest are effective. 

All Board members have full access to the 
Company Secretary who is a fully admitted solicitor 
and attends all Board and Committee meetings. 
The Company Secretary is responsible for advising 
the Board on all Corporate Governance and legal 
matters. In the event that the Company Secretary 
is not available, there are a number of other fully 
admitted solicitors in the wider legal team.

Board Committees
The Board delegates certain powers to Board 
Committees. There are three principal Board 
Committees to which the Board has delegated 
certain responsibilities. The terms of reference 
for all three Committees are reviewed by each 
Committee regularly and are available 

102

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022for inspection on request or on the Group’s 
corporate website www.jdplc.com. 

Audit & Risk Committee 
At the start of the financial year, the Audit & Risk 
Committee comprised three independent Non-
Executive Directors; Martin Davies, Andrew Leslie 
and Heather Jackson. Martin Davies was the Chair 
of the Audit & Risk Committee until his resignation 
on 9 July 2021. Martin was replaced by Heather 
Jackson as Interim Chair until Helen Ashton’s 
appointment on 15 November 2021. Following  
the Non-Executive Director resignations and 
appointments during the year, the Audit & Risk 
Committee currently comprises; Helen Ashton, Bert 
Hoyt and Kath Smith with Helen Ashton as the Chair.

The Board notes that it is a requirement of 
the DTRs and a recommendation of the Code 
that the Audit & Risk Committee as a whole shall 
have competence relevant to the sector in which 
the Company operates. This is something which 
was explored during the Board Evaluation process. 
The Board confirms that it considers the composition 
of the Audit & Risk Committee provides the requisite 
skills and experience. However, the Board and the 
Audit & Risk Committee considers it is prudent to  
keep this under continual review in order to ensure 
that it remains satisfied that the expertise of the 
membership of the Audit & Risk Committee remains 
appropriate. The brief biographical detail on page 92 
and the skills table included in the Nominations 
Committee report on page 107 includes details of 
the experience and expertise of the Board.

The Audit & Risk Committee met four times during 
the year with the external auditor attending part 
of each meeting. Details of attendance at Audit & 
Risk Committee meetings are set out in the table on 
page 101. The Audit & Risk Committee has held four 
meetings to date in the current financial year.

Remuneration Committee
At the start of the financial year, the Remuneration 
Committee comprised four independent Non-
Executive Directors; Andrew Leslie, Martin Davies, 
Heather Jackson and Kath Smith. Andrew Leslie was 
the Chair of the Remuneration Committee until his 
resignation on 1 July 2021. Kath Smith served as 
Interim Chair until Bert Hoyt was appointed as 
Interim Chair of the Remuneration Committee in 
February 2022. Following the Non-Executive 
Director resignations and appointments during 
the year, the Remuneration Committee currently 
comprises; Helen Ashton, Bert Hoyt and Kath Smith. 
Suzi Williams was appointed on 16 May 2022 as 
Non-Executive Director and will replace Bert Hoyt as 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee in due course.

The Committee’s principal duties are to determine:

 –  Overall Group remuneration policy.
 –  Remuneration packages for Executive Directors 

and Senior Management.

 –  The terms of Executive Director service 

contracts as may be required from time to time.

 –  The terms of any performance-related and/or 
long term incentive schemes operated by the 
Group and awards thereunder.

The Remuneration Committee met twice during 
the year. Details of attendance at Remuneration 
Committee meetings are set out in the table on 
page 101. Further details about Directors’ 
remuneration are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 114 to 130.

Nominations Committee
At the start of the financial year, the Nominations 
Committee comprised; Peter Cowgill as Chair, 
Andrew Leslie, Martin Davies, Heather Jackson 
and Kath Smith. Following the Non-Executive 
Director resignations and appointments during 
the year, the Nominations Committee comprised 
Peter Cowgill (until his departure on 25 May 2022), 
Kath Smith, Bert Hoyt and Helen Ashton. Kath Smith 
was appointed as the Chair of the Nominations 
Committee with effect from 25 February 2022. 
Following Kath Smith’s appointment as Interim  
Chief Executive Officer on 25 May 2022, the Board 
considered whether she should continue as Chair  
of the Nominations Committee but, to ensure 
compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, has concluded that this position should be 
held by the Interim Chair. This change was effective 
from 7 June 2022.

The Committee’s principal duties are to consider the 
size, structure and composition of the Board, ensure 
appropriate succession plans are in place for the 
Board and Senior Management and, where necessary, 
consider new appointments to the Board and Senior 
Management. The matters delegated to the remit of 
the Nominations Committee include Board structure, 
succession planning and the performance of the 
Board and the Senior Management. 

The Nominations Committee met four times during the 
year. Details of attendance at Nominations Committee 
meetings are set out in the table on page 101.

The gender balance of the Board, Senior Management 
team and the wider employee group is set out in the 
Our People section of the Corporate Social 
Responsibility Report on page 77.

Further details about the Nominations Committee 
and its activities are set out in the Nominations 
Committee Report on pages 106 to 107.

Audit, Risk & Internal Control
For further information on the Company’s 
compliance with the Code provision relating to the 
Audit & Risk Committee and auditors, please refer 
to the Audit & Risk Committee Report on page 108. 
The Group’s approach to internal audit, internal 
controls and risk is also detailed on page 110 
of the Audit & Risk Committee Report.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

During the 2021/22 financial year, the FRC 
made a request for further information regarding 
the disclosures in the Group’s 2021 Annual Report 
and Accounts as part of its regular review and 
assessment of the quality of corporate reporting 
in the UK. The letter focused on non-controlling 
interests, intangible assets, lease accounting, net 
debt to equity ratio, operating segments and 
corporate governance reporting. The Group 
provided various undertakings to the FRC to 
enhance the disclosures in these areas and the 
FRC subsequently closed their enquiries. 

The FRC has requested that we make clear the 
limitations of its review. The FRC’s review was 
based on the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts 
and, whilst it was conducted by staff who have 
an understanding of the relevant legal and 
regulatory framework, the FRC does not have 
detailed knowledge of the business or an 
understanding of the underlying transactions 
entered into. Communications from the FRC 
provide no assurance that the Group’s 2021 Annual 
Report and Accounts are correct in all material 
aspects and are made on the basis that the FRC 
accepts no liability for reliance on them by the 
Company or any third-party, including but not 
limited to, investors and shareholders. The FRC’s 
role is not to verify information provided but to 
consider compliance with reporting requirements. 

AGM Resolutions
At the Company’s AGM, all resolutions, save for the 
independent shareholder vote on resolution 6, were 
duly passed on a poll with the requisite majority. 
However, the Board acknowledges that in respect 
of the resolutions set out as follows, a more than 
20% vote against was received:

 –  Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report 

(Ordinary resolution).

 –  Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy 

(Ordinary resolution).

 –  Re-election of Andrew Leslie (Ordinary resolution)

Throughout the course of the year, the Company  
has been in regular dialogue with a wide range of 
investors and its other key stakeholders in order to 
understand their concerns regarding the remuneration 
related resolutions. During its ongoing engagement 
with shareholders, the Board has received very 
positive feedback from shareholders in respect of 
the changes made to its new remuneration policy, 
the material change being the addition of a share-
based long-term incentive plan to ensure better 
alignment between Executive pay and long-term 
shareholder value. The Board has confirmed to its 
shareholders that there will be additional amendments 
to its remuneration structures, within the terms of 
the new remuneration policy, in the future which will 
further align Executive pay with the long-term interests 
of its shareholders. Page 120 of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report provides further details in 
the Consideration of Shareholder Views section.

104

It is acknowledged that, at the AGM in 2021, 
Andrew Leslie did not receive the requisite number 
of votes from the independent shareholders and 
was, therefore, not re-elected to the Board.

Shareholder Relations
Reflecting the importance of its shareholders, the 
Company’s ongoing engagement with shareholders  
is led by a senior leadership team consisting of 
the Executive Directors, the Senior Independent 
Director, the Investor Relations Manager and the 
Company Secretary, who have engaged directly with 
shareholders over the course of the last financial year. 

During this period, the senior leadership team 
have been in regular contact with many of the 
Company’s shareholders and conducted multiple 
virtual meetings (including conference calls 
and investor road shows), particularly to seek 
shareholder views on matters such as corporate 
governance, Company business strategy and 
financial performance. The Executive Directors aim 
to provide the Company’s shareholders with up to 
date and reliable information on these shareholder 
priority areas in a transparent and collaborative 
way, and encourages shareholders to contact 
them should they have any concerns they wish to 
discuss. The Investor Relations Manager supports 
the Executive Directors by being a key source of 
regular updates on analyst/broker market reaction, 
shareholder feedback and managing continuous 
engagement between the Company’s shareholders 
and the Executive Directors.

In October 2021, the Group held its second Capital 
Markets Day event. This was done physically in 
London with a video link that enabled international 
investors to join. The purpose of this event was to 
demonstrate to shareholders the strength and 
depth of expertise across senior positions within 
the Group (including other territory trading 
divisions and Outdoor) and created direct 
engagement with these individuals.

Responding to shareholder feedback during the 
2021/22 financial year, the Group has sought 
to address some of the key concerns raised, such as:

 – Creating an improved Group investor website 
(www.jdplc.com) which provides increased 
information on Group financial performance 
and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) 
issues in a more accessible way.

 – Made significant progress regarding Board 

diversity by recruiting additional Non-Executive 
Directors, which has resulted in the Company 
being compliant with the initiatives on board 
diversity proposed by the Hampton-Alexander 
Review and the Parker Review.

 – Following the resignations of Andrew Leslie, 

Martin Davies and Heather Jackson, the Group 
has recruited four new Independent Non-
Executive Directors and has consequently 
appointed new Chairs for the Remuneration, 
Nominations and Audit & Risk Committees 
and a new Senior Independent Director.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 – Commenced the process to split the current 

combined Chief Executive Officer and Executive 
Chair role in line with the recommendations of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018.

Compliance with the code
The Directors consider that during the year under 
review and to the date of this report, the Company 
complied with the Code except as follows:

 – Code Provision 5: In relation to engagement with 

the workforce, the Group does not have a designated 
Director appointed to the Board from the workforce 
who is responsible for this engagement, nor does 
it have a formal workforce advisory panel or a 
designated Non-Executive Director responsible for 
this engagement. The former Executive Chair and 
the Chief Financial Officer had regular interactions 
and meetings with the Group People Director who 
updated them regularly about the views of the 
workforce. The former Executive Chair and the 
Chief Financial Officer subsequently reported these 
views back to the Board. The Board also receive 
updates about the workforce in an information pack 
circulated to all Board members prior to most 
Board meetings. The Group therefore considers 
that it has effective arrangements in place in this 
regard but plans to review this position before the 
end of the current financial year.

 – Code Provision 9: The role of Chief Executive 
Officer and Executive Chair was undertaken 
by one person, Peter Cowgill, which has been 
the case for almost the last eight years. 
During this period, the Board believed that there 
was sufficient separation of responsibilities of 
the roles usually undertaken by the Chair and 
the Chief Executive Officer as decisions on 
certain key matters were specifically reserved 
for the Board and the former Executive Chair 
was subject to challenge from the Chief Financial 
Officer, the Non-Executive Directors and the 
Company’s highly experienced Senior 
Management team. Notwithstanding this, during 
the year the Company commenced a process to 
split the role of the Chair and the Chief Executive 
Officer. Following the departure of the former 
Executive Chair on 25 May 2022, Helen Ashton 
was appointed as Interim Chair with Kath Smith 
appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer. 
The Nominations Committee is in the process of 
recruiting a Group Chief Executive Officer and 
Independent Non-Executive Chair. The Nominations 
Committee Report on page 107 provides more 
information in relation to the work undertaken 
by the Company to date.

 – Code Provision 12: There was no Senior 

Independent Non-Executive Director between 
9 July 2021 and 25 February 2022. There were 
a number of new appointments made to the 
Board in this period and the Board wanted 
time to assess the skills and qualities of the 
new members to ensure it made the correct 
long-term appointment. As of 25 May 2022, the 
Company no longer has a Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director, following the 

appointment of Kath Smith as Interim Chief 
Executive Officer. The Company is currently 
considering the correct long-term appointment 
and considers this position to be justifiable 
on a temporary basis given the exceptional 
circumstances. It is intended that the current 
Interim Chief Executive Officer will revert back 
to the role of Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director following the appointment of a Group 
Chief Executive Officer.

 – Code Provision 19: Peter Cowgill had been in his 
role for more than nine years. Peter received 
strong shareholder support and was subject to 
annual re-election. On 25 May 2022, the Group 
announced that it had decided to accelerate 
the separation of the roles of Chair and Chief 
Executive Officer. Peter Cowgill stood down as 
Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer with 
immediate effect. 

 – Code Provision 24: There were less than three 

members on the Audit & Risk Committee 
between July and October 2021 and during this 
period at least one member did not have recent 
and relevant financial experience until Helen 
Ashton was appointed in November 2021. 
Andrew Leslie did not receive sufficient votes 
to be re-elected to the Board in July resulting 
in him stepping down from his position on the 
Audit & Risk Committee. The Board required 
time to consider carefully which of the new 
upcoming members of the Board held the 
requisite skills and qualities to become a 
long-term member of the Committee. Helen  
Ashton was appointed as Chair of the Audit & 
Risk Committee on 15 November 2021 and, as 
detailed in her biography on page 92, has recent 
and relevant financial experience. Further, Bert 
Hoyt has now been appointed to join the Audit & 
Risk Committee, alongside Helen and Kath. As of 
25 May 2022, following Helen Ashton’s appointment 
as Interim Chair of the Board, Helen Ashton serves 
as both Chair of the Board and Chair of the Audit 
& Risk Committee. The Company is currently 
considering the correct long-term appointment 
and considers this position to be justifiable on a 
temporary basis given the exceptional circumstances. 

 – Code Provision 32: Bert Hoyt was appointed 

as Interim Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
in February 2022. Bert has not previously served 
on a remuneration committee for at least 12 months. 
It is intended that Suzi Williams will replace 
Bert as Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
in due course and has previously served on a 
Remuneration Committee for at least 12 months.

This report was approved by the Board and signed 
on its behalf by:

Neil Greenhalgh
Chief Financial Officer

22 June 2022

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022N O M I N A T I O N S   C O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T

“ We are highly committed to Board 
excellence and leadership. Ensuring 
that the Board has the appropriate 
balance and depth of skills, knowledge, 
experience, market expertise, consumer 
insight, diversity and independence 
is of the utmost importance to the 
Committee. We are very pleased to 
have met the requirements for both 
the Parker Review and the FTSE 
Women Leaders: Improving gender 
balance in FTSE leadership.”

HELEN ASHTON
CHAIR OF THE NOMINATIONS 
COMMITTEE

Committee Role and Membership
Current Members
 – Helen Ashton (Chair of the Committee)
 – Bert Hoyt

The Committee was previously chaired by 
the former Executive Chair but had been chaired 
by Kath Smith since 25 February 2022. On 25 May 
2022, following the departure of Peter Cowgill, 
Kath Smith was appointed Interim Chief Executive 
Officer. The Board also considered whether she 
should continue as Chair of the Nominations 
Committee but, to ensure compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, has concluded that 
this position should be held by the Interim Chair. 
This change was effective from 7 June 2022.

In accordance with Provision 19 of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the majority of 
the members of the Nominations Committee 
are independent Non-Executive Directors.

Committee Role
The Nominations Committee’s role and 
responsibilities are covered in its terms of 
reference which are available on our corporate 
website. Individual meeting attendance and 
changes to membership are referenced on 
pages 101 and 103 and more detailed information 

on the skills and experience of all Committee 
members can be found on pages 92 and 93. 
The Committee’s performance was reviewed as 
part of the 2021/22 internally facilitated Board 
Evaluation, which is covered on page 102.

Committee Activities 2021/22
Non-Executive Director Appointments
 – Kath Smith was appointed as Interim Chair 

of the Remuneration Committee in July 2021 
(a role that was subsequently taken over by 
Bert Hoyt in February 2022 when Kath became 
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director 
and Chair of the Nominations Committee). 
 – In 2021, Andy Rubin, Andrew Leslie, Martin 
Davies and Heather Jackson stepped down 
from the Board and the Board gave thanks 
for their service.

 – The Board agreed that it was necessary to 
replace all of the Non-Executive Directors 
who had resigned and also to expand and 
diversify the Board. 

 – The Committee identified the need to appoint 

Non-Executive Directors with industry experience, 
audit and risk and remuneration experience as well 
as digital, data and technological expertise. The  
Board was advised of the availability of Bert Hoyt, 

Board split by gender as at 29 January 2022

Board tenure as at 29 January 2022

 Male 4
 Female 3 

 0-1 years 4 
 1-5 years 3  
 5 years+ 1  

106

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022myself, Mahbobeh Sabetnia and more recently 
Suzi Williams and concluded that each of these 
individuals would enhance and bring important 
and, in some instances, new skills to the Board.

 – Bert Hoyt brings considerable veteran industry 
experience. Bert’s sector experience of multiple 
economic cycles, combined with Kath Smith’s, 
can ensure that past lessons can inform the 
challenges of the future. 

 – I am a qualified chartered management 

accountant and, as the former CFO of ASOS Plc, 
have deep knowledge and experience of high-
growth digital fashion. I have also been appointed 
to Chair the Audit & Risk Committee. 

 – Mahbobeh Sabetnia has an extensive track 
record delivering digital growth in global 
organisations. Mahbobeh’s expertise enables the 
Board to better evaluate the opportunities 
and risks of digital, data and technology.

 – Suzi Williams, our most recent addition to the 

Board, has significant consumer marketing and 
management experience and is a seasoned FTSE 
250 Non-Executive Director and Remuneration 
Chair. It is expected that Suzi will take up the role 
of Remuneration Committee Chair in due course.

 – All of the Board members appointed during 
the financial period ended 29 January 2022 
have completed their full, formal and tailored 
induction programmes.

Succession Planning
Below is a skills matrix which sets out the core skills, 
experience, knowledge and diversity represented 
by our current Board members. We hope to expand 
the Board in due course and will use this matrix to 
help us in preparing role specifications and 
evaluation of potential new Board candidates.

External search consultants have been engaged 
to assist with the process for appointing Non-
Executive Directors during the year. These external 
search consultants have no connection to the 
Group or any individual Directors. 

Skills and experience

Number of Directors

Operational/Commercial

7

Listed Market 
experience and 
governance

CEO experience

Brand Marketing

Cyber Risk & Digital

Finance/Accounting

Property

1

4

3

3

3

3

Search for a New Group CEO and Chair
At its 2021 AGM on 1 July 2021, the Group 
announced, with the support of the former 
Executive Chair, that it intended to divide the 
role of Executive Chair and Chief Executive 
Officer before the 2022 Annual General Meeting. 
Subsequently, working with Spencer Stuart, it 
commenced a global search for a new Group 
Chief Executive Officer. The Group is also 
working with Spencer Stuart on the recruitment 
of a Chair to guide the business through its next 
phase of growth and evolution. These processes 
are ongoing and are being led by the Interim 
Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chair and one 
other independent Non-Executive Director who 
are all members of the Nominations Committee. 
The departure of the former Executive Chair on 
25 May 2022 has not changed the approach to 
these searches and the Board will announce 
further details in due course.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy is 
embedded in our approach to recruitment at 
all levels, including the Board. That policy is 
that all employees are treated fairly and equally 
regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, 
marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and 
maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality 
and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, 
sex or sexual orientation.

We are proud to have met the requirements of 
the Parker Review and the FTSE Women Leaders: 
Improving gender balance in FTSE leadership but 
we are not complacent. In July 2021, the Board 
comprised two female and five male Board 
members. As at the date of this report, there 
are four female and three male Board members 
following the appointment of Suzi Williams on 
16 May 2022 and the departure of Peter Cowgill 
on 25 May 2022. We acknowledge the benefits 
of diversity in all its forms and we will continue 
to strive to make our Board and senior leadership 
teams more representative of our diverse workforce.

Future Aims
To ensure all of our new Board members 
become fundamentally engaged with the 
business and remain orientated to the 
future and work in a spirit of openness 
and transparency with the Executive team. 

Helen Ashton
Chair of the Nominations Committee

22 June 2022

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022A U D I T   &   R I S K   C O M M I T T E E   R E P O R T

“ The changes to the internal 
controls framework that we 
plan to implement in 2022 
and 2023 will stand the 
Group in good stead for the 
reforms proposed by BEIS 
in their 2021 consultation.”

HELEN ASHTON 
CHAIR OF THE AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE

Composition 
The composition of the Audit & Risk Committee 
(‘Committee’) is detailed on page 103 and full 
details of the skills, experience and qualifications 
(including recent and relevant financial experience) 
can be found in the biographies on pages 92 and 
93 and the skills table on page 107. The Committee 
member meeting attendance table is shown 
on page 101.

workstreams with a three-month intensive 
programme of works to correct priority issues 
complemented by the development of longer 
term initiatives which will deliver the necessary 
compliance framework and embed this into 
operational practices. The Board are also 
committed to making the necessary resource 
available, internal and external, to ensure that 
these commitments are delivered.

Overview
This has been a time of significant transition 
for the Committee, the Board and the wider Group. 
The Group has performed extraordinarily well in 
managing both the supply chain disruption and 
frequent consumer channel shift through the 
COVID-19 pandemic. However, balancing the 
operational requirements of running and growing 
a business through a global pandemic with the 
obligations of elevating governance standards 
to those expected of a FTSE 100 listed business 
has been complex and not without challenge. 
A number of regulatory issues have arisen through 
this time which have highlighted the need for both 
greater relevant experience on the Board and 
more formalisation in governance systems, risk 
management recording, the documentation and 
appraisal of internal controls and the mechanisms 
for reporting relevant matters to the regulatory 
authorities where appropriate. 

Since the year end, the Board has engaged 
external advisors to carry out a number of 
independent investigations into certain matters 
including these regulatory issues. Alongside these 
investigations, the Board has completed a review 
of the Group’s Corporate Governance operating 
model and assessed its current compliance with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Board 
is committed to making the necessary changes 
highlighted through these reviews and has formally 
agreed a rectification programme plan which 
aims to rebase the control, risk and compliance 
environment. This programme has four principal 

108

CMA Regulatory Compliance
Issue: In December 2020, the Competition and 
Markets Authority (‘CMA’) opened an investigation 
into suspected anti-competitive behaviour, 
involving JD Sports and certain other parties, in 
relation to the price at which Rangers-branded 
replica football kit was sold in the United Kingdom 
between September 2017 and August 2020. 
The CMA subsequently also opened a formal 
investigation into conduct relating to Leicester 
City branded products in September 2021.

Remedy: Working with external advisors, the 
Group has already undertaken multiple training 
sessions for key business teams, including the 
senior leadership team. Further, having identified 
the core “building blocks” for a comprehensive 
compliance programme, the Group has a project 
plan which is part way through implementation:

 – Short-term: Immediate actions include training 
sessions for Directors, senior management 
and subsidiary businesses together with 
the finalisation and roll out of a competition 
compliance policy.

 – Long-term: Longer term initiatives include 

competition compliance built into the induction 
process, annual refresher training and scheduled 
regular independent monitoring of compliance 
including spot checks of higher risk areas via 
audit interviews/key word searches.

On 7 June 2022, the CMA announced that it had 
issued a Statement of Objections with regards to 
the sale of Rangers-branded replica football kit. 

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022The CMA’s findings are, at this stage, only 
provisional with the Group having the opportunity 
to respond to them. The CMA will then consider 
any representations that are made before issuing 
its final findings as to whether there has been a 
breach in competition law. Whilst the process to 
reach that final decision may take several months, 
the Board has reviewed the information available 
to it at this stage, including advice from third-party 
experts, and believes that it is appropriate to 
recognise a provision of £2.0 million.

Issue: In February 2022 the CMA imposed a 
penalty of £4.3 million on the Company for its 
failure to comply with certain provisions of the 
interim order issued by the CMA in May 2021 
under section 81 of the Enterprise Act 2002 in 
connection with its acquisition of Footasylum 
Limited (‘Footasylum’). Further, the CMA also 
imposed a penalty on Footasylum of £0.4 million.

Remedy: The Group took immediate action to 
implement additional measures to strengthen 
its processes surrounding its compliance with 
the interim order which went well beyond what 
was legally required by the CMA. This included a 
prohibition on all contact between the Management 
Teams other than that which was either undertaken 
by named individuals in the Group who had been 
designated as part of a ‘clean team’ or was a meeting 
attended by legal advisors on both sides with a 
formal agenda. These measures will remain in place 
until the divestment of Footasylum is complete.

FCA Regulatory Compliance
Issue: A number of companies in the UK have a 
limited permission credit broking licence from the 
Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’). Principle 11 of 
the FCA regulations requires a firm to deal with its 
regulators in an open and cooperative way and to 
disclose to the FCA appropriately anything relating 
to the firm of which the FCA would reasonably 
expect notice. The Board has identified that there 
are certain historical facts and events which, with 
hindsight, should have been disclosed to the FCA 
under this obligation.

Remedy: The Group made the necessary 
retrospective disclosure on 17 June 2022 with a 
response expected from the FCA in due course. 
The Group is now working with specialist third-
party advisors to deliver the necessary long-term 
compliance frameworks.

 – Short-term: The immediate priority is to develop 
the relevant policies, procedures and training 
which will facilitate regulatory activities going 
forward. Further, the Group has also now 
commenced an application for a new named 
person who will have the designated Senior 
Management Functions with the FCA.

 – Long-term: The Group has already commenced a 

process to recruit dedicated internal resource who 
will review compliance in the registered entities 
and provide training and guidance to these 
businesses as appropriate.

UK Corporate Governance Code
Issue: The Board engaged BDO LLP to undertake 
a review of the Group’s Corporate Governance 
operating model and to assess current compliance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code (‘Code’). 
The outcome of the review is a number of 
improvements that will be underpinned by having 
strategic direction, purpose and values that are 
clearly articulated and commonly understood by 
Board members and Senior Management. In turn, 
these will need to be supported by strong governance 
structures and processes, and a culture that positively 
influences behaviours. It is the Board’s expectation 
that these improvements will be delivered over a 
period of 18 months.

Remedy: The Board are committed to enhancing 
the Governance Framework and have already 
made a number of changes including:

 – Since the departure of the former Executive Chair, 
that role has been split with the appointment of 
an Interim Chair and an Interim Chief Executive 
Officer. The process to fill both of these roles on 
a permanent basis is progressing positively.
 – The appointment of Kath Smith as Senior 
Independent Director in February 2022. 
Whilst it is acknowledged that Kath Smith 
cannot currently act as Senior Independent 
Director following her appointment as Interim 
Chief Executive Officer, it is the Board’s intention 
that she will revert back to her former role upon 
the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive 
Officer. Based on the current progress in this 
search, the Board expects that Kath Smith will 
be able to revert to her former role as Senior 
Independent Director before the end of the 
current financial year, meaning that the Group 
is compliant with this aspect of the Corporate 
Governance Code for the start of the next 
financial year.

 – The appointment of Kath Smith as Chair of the 

Nominations Committee. This appointment was 
made whilst Kath Smith was a Non-Executive 
Director. The Board has considered whether she 
should continue as Chair of the Nominations 
Committee but, to ensure compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code, has concluded 
that I should hold this position. This change was 
effective from 7 June 2022.

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The Group have also begun assessing the resource 
requirements necessary to support the delivery of 
these governance enhancements, which could 
involve appointing external service providers to 
support delivery. 

 – Short-term: The Group has already begun 

recruiting additional members for its General 
Counsel team who will focus on compliance. 
Further, the Board has engaged BDO LLP to 
conduct a Control, Risk and Compliance Target 
Operating Model (‘TOM’) review. The output 
from this will be a detailed plan and resource 
requirements assessment for an 18 month 
programme of works which will move the 
Group towards its target of fuller compliance 
with the Code.

 – Long-term: The Board will regularly assess Code 

compliance and formally agree any areas of 
non-compliance with the aim of ensuring that 
the Group has the governance structures and 
processes which are appropriate to both its size 
and international complexity.

Risk Management and Internal Controls
Issue: The Group’s recent growth has added 
volume and complexity to our domestic and 
international operations, systems and 
technologies. Accordingly, the Board has 
determined that an internal controls function 
should be established to ensure that the 
Group’s system of internal controls continue 
to provide reasonable assurance against the 
risk of material misstatement or loss.

Remedy: In November 2021, the Group appointed 
a Head of Internal Controls who reports into the 
Chair of the Committee and the Chief Financial 
Officer. As a priority, this function is developing 
a roadmap to embed an Internal Control over 
Financial Reporting (‘ICFR’) framework across the 
Group in 2022 and 2023. Following a risk-based 
scoping exercise and a preliminary maturity 
assessment in key locations, the Group now has 
a deeper understanding of its ICFR maturity and 
the workstreams that are required to embed a 
risk-based framework in an internationally complex 
Group that has grown rapidly in recent times.

 – Short-term: Phase 1 of designing an Enterprise 

Risk Management (‘ERM’) process will commence 
with immediate effect. An external partner has 
been selected to support this work which will 
determine the detailed action plans which will 
deliver a Risk Framework, policies, risk registers 
and the necessary resources to support JD 
Sports Risk Management capability for the future.

 – Long-term: Embedding an ICFR and ERM 
framework across the Group presents a 
significant change programme and the Board 
is committed to resourcing it accordingly. 
The Group is therefore increasing the size of 
the Internal Controls team with Internal Controls 

110

leads based in locations commensurate with 
material subsidiaries in the Group. These roles, 
supported by local management, will drive the 
changes required to the ICFR environments. 
The Group has also appointed an ICFR partner 
with a global presence necessary to bolster the 
Internal Controls team. The need for additional 
resource will remain under constant review 
throughout the programme. The Board is also 
committed to ensuring that there is effective 
testing of the Internal Control environment with 
the creation of a formal Internal Audit function 
at the appropriate time on this journey.

A Board Governance Committee (‘Governance 
Committee’) has been established to manage 
and monitor the key actions arising from the 
workstreams above. Membership of this 
Governance Committee includes the Chair of the 
Audit & Risk Committee, Chief Financial Officer, 
General Counsel, Head of Internal Controls and 
Programme Director. The Governance Committee 
will meet at least monthly and report on progress 
through to the regular Audit & Risk Committee 
meetings, at which the auditor will be in attendance.

In addition to these specific workstreams, the 
Governance Committee will also manage a wider 
process to review, and enhance where necessary, 
the policies and controls which ensure compliance 
with other regulators including the Information 
Commissioner’s Office, the Advertising Standards 
Association and the Market Abuse Regulations of 
the FCA.

Further, the Board have accepted a recommendation 
from its external advisors that it should create 
a separate Disclosure Committee which would 
review matters and events in the Group and 
determine whether they are disclosable to the 
various regulatory bodies. Membership of this 
Governance Committee will include the Chair 
of the Audit & Risk Committee, Chief Financial 
Officer and General Counsel.

Other Principal Duties
The other principal duties of the Committee are to 
review draft annual and interim financial statements 
prior to being submitted to the Board, reviewing the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal 
control, risk management and the performance 
and cost effectiveness of the external auditor.

Main Activities of the Audit & Risk 
Committee During the Year
The Committee’s activities during the year included:

 –  Reviewing the Group’s draft financial 

statements and interim results statement 
prior to Board approval and reviewing the 
external auditor’s detailed reports thereon 
including internal controls.

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 – Reviewing Board papers prepared by 

management to document the significant 
accounting matters and key judgements in 
order to determine whether there is a clear 
basis for the conclusions reached.

 –  Regularly reviewing the potential impact on the 
Group’s financial statements of certain matters 
such as the valuation of intangible assets and 
proposed International Accounting Standards.

 –  Reviewing the external auditor’s plan for the 
audit of the Group’s financial statements, key 
risks of misstatement in the financial statements, 
confirmations of auditor independence, audit 
fee and terms of engagement of the auditor. 
 –  Reviewing the independence and effectiveness 

of the Group’s external auditor.

 –  Completing the tender process in respect 

of the Group’s external auditor.

 –  Reviewing the whistleblowing arrangements 
in place for employees to be able to raise 
concerns in confidence. Subsequently, the 
Committee has agreed to appoint an 
independent third-party to run the 
whistleblowing service to give employees 
additional confidence that concerns may be 
raised without fear of retribution.

 –  Consideration of the Company’s risk register 

and internal controls.

 –  Assessment of the need for an internal audit 
function and the effectiveness of the Group’s 
existing system of internal controls. This will be 
considered further in the forthcoming TOM 
review being undertaken by BDO LLP.

In addition, following the identification of the 
regulatory issues, a separate sub-committee of 
Non-Executive Directors was formed consisting of 
the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and the 
Senior Independent Director. This sub-committee 
was tasked with managing both the independent 
investigations into the regulatory issues and the 
assessment of the Group’s compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. Whilst the Senior 
Independent Director was appointed as the Interim 
Chief Executive Officer prior to these investigations 
being completed, the Board believed that completion 
of these investigations was best served by 
continuity of membership in this sub-committee.

Financial Statements and Significant 
Accounting Matters
The Committee is responsible for reviewing the 
Group’s draft financial statements and interim 
results statement prior to Board approval. 
As part of such review, the Committee considers 
whether suitable accounting policies have been 
adopted and whether appropriate judgements 
have been made by management. The Committee 
also considers whether appropriate disclosure 
of significant estimates and judgements has 
been made. The Committee also reviews reports 

by the external auditor on the full-year and 
half-year results.

The following are material areas in which 
significant judgements have been applied 
and have been considered by the Committee 
during the year:

Valuation of Intangible Assets Recognised 
as Part of the Acquisition of DTLR Villa LLC 
(‘DTLR’)
The Committee approved the appointment 
of Kroll Advisory Ltd (previously known as 
Duff & Phelps Ltd) as the Group’s formal 
advisor in respect of the estimation of the 
fair value and remaining useful life of certain 
tangible and intangible assets of DTLR.

The Committee has reviewed the acquisition 
accounting in relation to the purchase of DTLR 
and has considered the assumptions used in 
the intangible valuation model; primarily the 
budgets and forecasts, discount rates and 
royalty rates used. The external auditor provides 
to the Committee detailed explanations of their 
review of the acquisition accounting, including 
their assessment of the royalty rate utilised in 
the valuation of the DTLR Villa tradename and 
their challenge of management’s key assumptions 
and discount rates. The Committee has also 
reviewed the disclosures in the financial statements 
including sensitivity analyses. 

Valuation of the Genesis Topco Inc Put Option
The Committee has reviewed the valuation 
of the Genesis Topco Inc put option and 
has considered the assumptions used in the 
valuation model; primarily the EBITDA multiple, 
the approved forecasts and the discount rate 
used. The external auditor provides to the 
Committee detailed explanations of their review 
of the valuation, including their challenge of 
management’s key assumptions and discount 
rates. The Committee has also reviewed the 
disclosures in the financial statements including 
the sensitivity analysis performed.

Accruals
Given the recent strong performance of the 
Group there may be an incentive of management 
to manipulate the results and accruals has been 
identified as an area more susceptible to 
management bias. The Committee has reviewed 
a Board paper detailing the key judgements in 
respect of certain accruals and is comfortable 
that there is a clear basis for the conclusions 
reached supporting the existence, accuracy 
and presentation of accruals. The external 
auditor has provided to the Committee detailed 
explanations of their audit work in this area and 
the Committee has also reviewed the disclosures 
in the financial statements.

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Provisions
Given the breadth of regulatory responsibilities 
imposed on the Company, there is a risk in respect 
of non-compliance with such laws and regulations 
which could ultimately lead to financial penalties 
imposed on the Company. Consequently, there 
is also an inherent risk present in terms of the 
completeness and presentation of provisions 
and contingent liabilities. In particular, due to 
the element of estimation uncertainty applied, 
there is a risk that liabilities may be more akin 
to a provision rather than an accrual, the former 
having more extensive disclosure requirements 
in the financial statements. The Committee has 
reviewed the reports prepared by the external 
advisors in relation to the investigations referred 
to above and is comfortable that there is a clear 
basis for the conclusions reached. Further, the 
Committee have also made enquiries of: 

 – Material subsidiaries.
 – Senior members of the General Counsel team.
 –  The Senior Leadership team.

In addition, the external auditor has provided to the 
Committee detailed explanations of their audit work 
in this area and the Committee has also reviewed 
the disclosures in the financial statements.

Internal Audit and Internal Controls
The Board, in conjunction with the Committee, has 
full responsibility for the Group’s system of internal 
controls and monitoring their effectiveness. However,  
such a system is designed to monitor and manage 
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives 
and cannot eliminate such risk entirely. The Board 
seeks to manage this risk by having established 
a well-defined organisational structure, clear 
operating procedures, embedded lines of 
responsibility, delegated authority to executive 
management and a comprehensive financial 
reporting process.

Key features of the Group’s system of internal 
control and risk management are:

 – Identification and monitoring of the business 

risks facing the Group, with major risks identified 
and reported to the Committee and the Board 
with in-depth quarterly updates and reviews 
as appropriate.

 – Detailed appraisal and authorisation procedures 
for capital investment, which is documented in 
the Matters Reserved for the Board and the 
Group’s Contract Authorisation Policy.

 – Prompt preparation of comprehensive monthly 

management accounts providing relevant, 
reliable and up-to-date information. These allow 
for comparison with budget and previous year’s 
results. Significant variances from approved 
budgets are investigated as appropriate.
 – Preparation of comprehensive annual profit 

and cash flow budgets allowing management 

112

to monitor business activities and major risks 
and the progress towards financial objectives 
in the short and medium-term.

 – Monitoring of store procedures and the reporting 

and investigation of suspected fraudulent activities.

 – Reconciliation and checking of all cash 
and stock balances and investigation of 
any material differences.

The Chair of the Committee has regular interaction 
with the Head of Internal Controls and senior 
members of the Group finance department in 
order to monitor and assess the effectiveness 
of the Group’s system of internal controls.

The Board has a responsibility to review the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal 
controls. In establishing the system of internal 
control, the Directors have regard to the 
materiality of relevant risks, the likelihood 
of a loss being incurred and costs of control. 
It follows, therefore, that the system of internal 
control can only provide reasonable, and not 
absolute, assurance against the risk of material 
misstatement or loss.

There has been significant change in the 
composition of the Audit & Risk Committee and 
wider Board through the year. However, through 
the regular Board Meetings, there has still been 
a continuous assessment of the emerging and 
principal risks through the year. Further, the Board 
is satisfied that the internal controls have operated 
effectively through the year although they accept 
that there can be greater formality in these areas and 
so, as noted above, have determined that an internal 
controls function should be established to ensure 
that the Group’s system of internal controls continue 
to provide reasonable assurance against the risk of 
material misstatement or loss as the Group continues 
to grow and expand. An 18-month implementation 
plan is being developed, with clear milestones and 
a governance structure to monitor progress and 
ultimately provide the Audit & Risk Committee 
with the visibility it requires for effective oversight. 
An update on this programme will be provided in 
next year’s Annual Report and Accounts.

The non-ICFR activities of the Internal Controls 
function will be driven by the Group’s risk 
management framework (see page 110). 
The Committee will oversee all activities of the 
internal controls function and will receive regular 
updates on the progress of agreed activities. 

In previous financial years, the Committee has 
determined that an internal audit function was not 
necessary given the work performed by existing 
business functions. However, as the roadmaps for 
risk management and internal controls begin to 
deliver their intended benefits, it is important that 
they are supported by a culture of continuous 
review and improvement. Therefore, it is expected 

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022that, in due course the responsibilities of the 
internal controls function will evolve to include 
internal audit. Finally, the Committee believes that 
the changes we are implementing in 2022 and 
2023 will stand the Group in good stead for the 
reforms proposed by the Department for Business, 
Energy and Industrial Strategy (‘BEIS’) in their 
2021 consultation on ‘Restoring trust in audit 
and corporate governance’. 

Whistleblowing Policy
The Group has a formal whistleblowing policy in 
place which provides details of how employees 
can raise concerns in relation to the Group’s 
activities or the actions of any employee of 
the Group on a confidential basis. The Group is 
evolving the reporting mechanism with the 
support of an independent third-party provider 
with regular review of reporting via the Audit & 
Risk Committee who are also responsible for 
reviewing the policy on an annual basis.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy
The Group strives to conduct itself in all areas 
and at all levels in an ethical manner. The Group 
takes a zero tolerance approach to bribery and 
corruption, amongst its employees, suppliers and 
any associated parties acting on the Group’s behalf 
and this is very clearly documented in the way that 
it contracts with any such third-parties. The Group 
has a detailed Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy 
and is committed to acting professionally, fairly 
and with integrity in all its business dealings.

The Group has appropriate processes in place 
through its Profit Protection team to audit compliance 
with its Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy and its 
Gifts and Hospitality Policy, periodically.

External Auditor Fees
A breakdown of the audit and non-audit related 
fees are set out in Note 3 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements on page 154. 

The Committee has regard to the FRC rules 
on auditor independence and the provision of 
non-audit services by the auditor and in particular 
the policy on the provision of non-audit services 
by the external auditor. The Committee recognises 
that the policy’s objective is to ensure auditor 
independence and appropriate levels of approval 
for non-audit work being undertaken by the 
external auditor. Under the policy, any non-audit 
services to be undertaken by the auditor which 
are not prohibited under the audit reforms 
require advance authorisation in accordance 
with the following:

 – For individual pieces of work between 

£25,000 and £50,000: Approval by the 
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
 –  Work in excess of £50,000: Approval 
by the full Audit & Risk Committee.

External Audit Tender Process
KPMG have acted as auditor to the Company 
since its flotation in 1996. The Committee is 
satisfied that this is in compliance with the 
FRC’s rules on mandatory firm rotation. 
The Committee acknowledges that the lead 
audit partner is subject to rotation every five 
years to safeguard independence, with a new 
lead audit partner having been appointed during 
the 2020/21 financial year. The Committee is 
confident that this has brought an additional 
level of independence to the audit process.

During the 2021/22 financial year, the Committee 
concluded its tender process on the appointment 
of a new external auditor to replace KPMG LLP 
with Deloitte LLP providing the most compelling 
global proposal. 

Subject to approval by shareholders at the 2022 
Annual General Meeting, KPMG will report on the 
results to 28 January 2023. Thereafter, it is the 
Board’s intention to recommend the appointment 
of Deloitte to shareholders at the 2023 Annual 
General Meeting with Deloitte’s first report to 
members being on the results to 3 February 2024.

The Committee confirms that the Company 
otherwise complied throughout the financial year 
under review with The Statutory Audit Services for 
Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory 
Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit 
Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

External Auditor Reappointment
The Audit & Risk Committee recommends that 
KPMG be reappointed as the Company’s statutory 
auditor for the 2022/23 financial year. The  
Committee, after careful consideration including 
of the auditor’s performance during their period 
in office, is satisfied with the level of independence 
and impartiality of the external auditor and is 
satisfied with the audit process and that the 
way it operates remains effective.  

Helen Ashton
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee

 –  For individual pieces of work below £25,000: 

22 June 2022

Approval by the Chief Financial Officer. 

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“ The Remuneration Committee 
continues to monitor the 
overall remuneration policy 
to ensure it remains fit 
for purpose in our high 
performing business.”

This Annual Report on Remuneration, together 
with the Annual Statement, will be subject to an 
advisory shareholder vote at the 2022 AGM.

The following paragraphs summarise key 
highlights from the business performance 
during the 2021/22 financial year which 
informed the Committee activities:

 – Record result for the year with profit before tax 
and exceptional items of £947.2 million, more 
than double the previous record set in the year 
to 1 February 2020 (2021: £421.3 million; 
2020: £438.8 million) demonstrates management’s 
capabilities in relation to managing both supply 
chain disruption and frequent consumer channel 
shift through the COVID-19 pandemic. This result 
includes £125.6 million of profit from the combination 
of acquisitions in the year and the annualisation 
period of businesses bought in the 52 weeks to 
30 January 2021.

 – Significant acquisitions in the period have further 

extended the Group’s geographical reach.
 – International development of JD in other 
markets continues to gain momentum.

 – A major programme of work is being progressed 
to enhance the logistics network and fulfilment 
capabilities across the UK and Western Europe.

This financial year being the second year of the 
COVID-19 pandemic has been a year of recovery 
and unprecedented growth. During this period of 
recovery and growth, the Committee has focused 
on ensuring that its Executive Director and Senior 
Management remuneration continues to be aligned 
with the Group’s short, medium and long-term 
strategic aims. Alongside the Committee, the 
Group have been focusing on a number of key 
areas including, but not limited to:

 –  the continuation of being well-equipped to 
deal with the different COVID-19 variants 
which may cause local and national lockdowns; 
 – Executive and Senior Manager remuneration; and

BERT HOYT 
INTERIM CHAIR OF THE 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Annual Statement of the Chair 
of the Remuneration Committee 

Dear Shareholder
As Interim Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
(the ‘Committee’), I am pleased to present the 
Company’s Remuneration Report for the 2021/22 
financial year, my first since I took over as the 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee on 
25 February 2022.

This Directors’ Remuneration Report (‘Report’) 
summarises the activities of the Committee 
during the 2021/22 financial year. It sets out 
the remuneration details for the Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors of the Company during 
the year, as well as a summary of the shareholder-
approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the 
‘Policy’). This report has been prepared in 
accordance with Schedule 8 of The Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended) 
(‘Regulations’) and the requirements of the Listing 
Rules. The Companies Act 2006 requires the 
auditor to report to the shareholders on certain 
parts of the Report and to state whether, in their 
opinion, those parts of the report have been 
properly prepared in accordance with the 
Regulations. The parts of the Annual Report 
on Remuneration that are subject to audit are 
indicated in that report. 

Key Highlights 
There are three sections: 

 –  This Annual Statement.
 –  The Policy Report which sets out a summary of 

the Company’s remuneration policy for Directors 
which was approved by shareholders at the 2021 
AGM on 1 July 2021. 

 –  The Annual Report on Remuneration providing 
details on the Directors’ remuneration in the 
2021/22 financial year and how the Policy will 
be operated during the 2022/23 financial year. 

114

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 –  colleague welfare, diversity, inclusion and 

social mobility.

These areas are covered in greater detail within 
the report but are summarised below.

COVID-19 Recovery & Growth
Key measures were taken in the previous financial 
year to protect the Group and its position during 
such challenging times which included: 

 –  voluntary reductions in salary for several 

members of the Board and Senior Management 
team ranging from 20-30% of salary;

 –  voluntary reduction of 75% of salary for the 

former Executive Chair;

 –  a freeze to all pay rises outside of statutory 

required increases;

 –  deferment of all incentive payments including 

bonuses and LTIP’s; and

 – recruitment freezes outside of business-

critical roles.

This demonstrated the commitment to 
the Group at the senior levels to recovery, 
whilst securing jobs and retaining colleagues. 
The safeguarding of employment for as many 
of our colleagues as possible during the 
pandemic, I believe, has directly contributed 
to the Group’s ability to provide a strong 
financial performance throughout.

Reflecting the continuous success of the Group 
as a business, the Board has repaid £24.4 million of 
support that it has received from the Coronavirus 
Job Retention Scheme in the UK during the year. 
We believe that this demonstrates the strength 
of the Group’s success and commitment to 
the retention of jobs as well as growth for the 
business as whole.

Executive and Senior 
Management Remuneration
As with previous years, the Committee is 
dedicated to ensuring that the remuneration 
packages seek to retain and motivate the 
Executive Directors and Senior Management 
team members (consisting of the Group’s core 
management team, excluding the Board of 
Directors) who are a fundamental part of the 
Group’s success and the Board’s succession 
and future growth plans. Throughout the period, 
the Group strived to ensure best market practice 
as well as to ensure that the remuneration remains 
competitive within the Remuneration Policy.

To continue the progress made in the previous 
years, the Group have undertaken numerous 
activities as detailed below.

Benchmarking
An annual market review of the basic salary and 
total earnings of the Chief Financial Officer has 
been undertaken. This is to ensure that remuneration 
remains appropriate for the market in which the 
Group operates. As per previous exercises, this was 
based on publicly available information from FTSE 
100 companies as well as companies within the 
retail industry who may fall outside of the FTSE 100 
listing but have made annual report disclosures. 

This includes the following businesses:

 – Next
 – ASOS
 – M&S
 – ABF
 – John Lewis
 – BT Group 
 – Tesco
 – Unilever
 – Diageo
 – Burberry Group 

In addition, for this year’s review, the Group have also 
engaged with external remuneration consultants for 
a more in-depth benchmarking exercise across the 
industry for the Executive Directors and intend to 
extend such professional review to the Senior 
Management team in the future years. 

The results of both activities illustrated that 
we continue to pay at low-mid quartile levels 
despite the exponential year-on-year growth in 
profit and shareholder returns. In this context, 
the Committee agreed a salary increase for the 
Chief Financial Officer to £450,000 (currently 
£350,000). Although the increase for the Chief 
Financial Officer is at a materially higher rate than 
those given to the wider workforce, the Committee 
believes that it is pivotal that he continues to remain 
motivated to deliver superior performance for the 
Group by a fair remuneration package based on 
the size and complexity of the role.

The Committee also agreed a standard increase 
of 5.0% for the former Executive Chair in line with 
the wider workforce percentage increases (an 
additional £43,000 from £863,000 to £906,000). 

2021/22 Annual Bonus Outcome
The Group has demonstrated exceptional business 
performance during the financial year despite 
extremely challenging commercial and financial 
factors globally. As a result the formulaic commercial 
and strategic outcome was 100% of maximum. 
However, corporate governance issues, as noted in 
the governance section on page 108, were brought 
to the attention of the Committee and the Committee 
exercised discretion to reduce the annual bonus 
payout as noted on page 124. Bonus payments 
remain subject to the ongoing Remuneration Policy. 

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Over the course of the coming financial year the 
Group is also reviewing the current pay strategy, 
including discussing with colleagues at the 
Engagement Forums alternative remuneration 
approaches that could be beneficial for them. 

The Group has also focused significantly on 
creating a wide-ranging number of roles and 
pathways available to new colleagues across 
the Group, particularly in the areas of diversity 
of employability and early careers. As a result, 
we now offer employment and apprenticeship 
opportunities to an even wider variety of people.

Bert Hoyt
Interim Chair of the Remuneration Committee

22 June 2022

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Share-based Remuneration
We have successfully implemented the new  
share-based long-term incentive plan (the ‘LTIP’) as 
approved by shareholders at the 2021 AGM with the 
grant of the first awards during the 2021/22 financial 
year. The terms of the LTIP awards were reviewed by 
external advisors as well as internal finance and tax 
teams to ensure they were market competitive and 
compliant with relevant regulations. 

In line with investor feedback, from the 2022/23 
financial year, the proportion of the share-based 
element of the Chief Financial Officer’s annual 
LTIP award will increase from 33% to 50% of the 
maximum opportunity.

Succession Planning
As disclosed on 25 May 2022, the Group has 
accelerated the separation of the roles of Chair 
and Chief Executive Officer as a consequence of 
an ongoing review of its internal governance and 
controls. As a result, the Group are in the process 
of recruiting a permanent Chief Executive Officer 
and Non-Executive Chair.

In this context, the Committee continues to review 
the appropriateness and alignment of the current 
Policy to ensure that it remains fit for purpose 
and facilitates the recruitment and retention of 
these roles.

Further details regarding Board composition are 
provided on page 92.

Welfare, Diversity, Inclusion 
and Social Mobility
The Group has taken steps to move forward 
in the areas of welfare, diversity, inclusion and 
social mobility as detailed in Our People section 
on page 76. 

The Group continues to review and monitor the 
remuneration of the wider workforce as part of 
our annual pay review. Our pay review considers 
the remuneration strategy for the wider workforce 
including statutory increases and bonus payments 
linked to the Group and individual performance as 
well the cost of living increase. 

116

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY (UNAUDITED)

The Policy was approved by shareholders on 1 July 2021. The Policy will apply for a maximum of three years until the 2024 AGM. 
A summary of the Policy is set out below. The full Policy is set out in the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Report as part of our 
2021 Annual Report which can be found on our website www.jdplc.com/reports-presentations. 

Changes to the Existing Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
The Committee believes that the overall structure of the Policy remains fit for purpose and is not proposing to make any 
change to the Policy as part of this report. This may be reviewed as part of the succession planning in the future.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance targets

How the element 
supports our short 
and long-term 
strategic objectives

Base salary
Provides a 
competitive fixed 
level of remuneration 
to attract and retain 
Executive Directors 
of the necessary 
calibre to execute 
the Group’s strategy 
and deliver  
shareholder value.

Base salaries for the Executive 
Directors are normally reviewed 
annually by the Committee.

The following factors are taken 
into account when determining 
base salary levels:

 – Remuneration levels at 
comparable quoted UK 
retail companies.

 – The need for salaries 
to be competitive.

 – The performance of the 

individual Executive Director.

 – Experience and responsibilities of 
the individual Executive Director.

 – Pay for other employees in 

the Group.

 – The total remuneration available 
to the Executive Directors and 
the components thereof and the 
cost to the Group.

Benefits
Ensures the 
overall package 
is competitive 
for Executive 
Directors.

The current benefit provision 
is detailed on page 121.

Other benefits may be provided 
where appropriate, including 
health insurance, life insurance/
death in service, travel and 
relocation expenses.

Pensions
Provides market 
competitive post-
retirement benefits for 
Executive Directors.

Payments are made into a defined 
contribution pension scheme with 
company contributions set as a 
percentage of base salary. 

The Committee has the discretion 
to pay a cash amount in lieu of 
a pension contribution. Any  
such payment would not form 
part of the salary for the purposes 
of determining the extent of 
participation in the Group’s 
incentive arrangements.

None

None

Base salaries will 
normally be reviewed 
annually, but 
the Committee reserves 
the right to review fees 
on a discretionary basis 
if it believes an 
adjustment is required 
to reflect market 
rates or performance.

There is no prescribed 
maximum annual 
increase.

The Committee is 
guided by the general 
increase for the broader 
employee population 
but on occasion may 
need to recognise, for 
example, an increase 
in the scale, scope 
or responsibility of 
the role, as well as 
market rates. 

The Committee 
determines 
the appropriate level 
taking into account 
market practice 
and individual 
circumstances.

There is no prescribed 
maximum.

The maximum pension 
provision is 8% of salary.

None

117

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance targets

The maximum bonus 
opportunity may be 
up to 200% of salary.

The targets are set by the Committee each year 
and are based on a combination of financial and 
strategic KPIs, with target and maximum levels.

Two thirds of the annual bonus will be linked 
to financial targets.

The Committee retains the discretion to adjust 
the performance targets in the event of 
significant corporate activity during the year.

The Committee will review the Group’s 
overall performance before determining 
final bonus levels.

The Committee may, in exceptional circumstances 
amend the bonus pay-out should this not, in the 
view of the Committee, reflect the overall business 
performance or individual contribution.

The Committee is of the opinion that, given the 
commercial sensitivity arising in relation to the 
detailed targets used for the annual bonus, 
disclosing precise targets for the bonus plan 
in advance would not be in shareholder interests. 
Actual targets, performance achieved and 
awards made will be published in the following 
year’s Annual Report so that shareholders can 
fully assess the basis for any pay-outs under 
the annual bonus.

Base award on grant 
equal to 100% of salary.

Pay-out is capped at 
250% of salary.

This applies to the 
total value of both 
cash and share-based 
elements combined.

Subject to performance criteria being met, 
the value of the base award will trigger from 
the agreed financial performance metrics.

The final value of the award is linked to the 
change in profits and/or share price, subject 
to the overall cap.

Targets will be disclosed in the Annual Report 
for the year following a performance period.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

How the element 
supports our short 
and long-term 
strategic objectives

Annual Bonus
Provides Executive 
Directors with the 
opportunity to earn 
performance-related 
bonuses based on 
the achievement 
of financial targets 
and key performance 
indicators which 
incentivise the 
achievement of the 
business strategy.

The bonus is paid annually in 
cash and is non-pensionable. 

Clawback and malus provisions 
apply to the bonus.

The Committee can use its 
discretion to reduce, cancel or 
impose further conditions on the 
awards where it considers such 
action is appropriate. This includes 
where there has been a material 
misstatement of the Group’s 
audited financial results, a serious 
failure of risk management or 
serious reputational damage.

On change of control, the 
Committee may pay bonuses 
on a pro-rata basis measured 
on performance up to the date 
of change of control.

Long Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP)
Provides the 
Executive 
Directors with the 
opportunity to earn 
competitive rewards. 

Aligns the Executive 
Directors’ interests 
more closely with 
those of shareholders.

Focuses the Executive 
Directors on 
sustaining and 
improving the 
long-term financial 
performance of the 
Group and rewards 
them appropriately 
for doing so.

Both the cash and share award 
will be subject to a three-year 
performance period. If met, 
the cash element will vest 
after three years. Any  
share-based elements 
will vest after five years.

Malus and clawback provisions 
apply to unvested awards.

The Committee can use its 
discretion to reduce, cancel or 
impose further conditions on the 
awards where it considers such 
action is appropriate. This includes 
where there has been a material 
misstatement of the Group’s 
audited financial results, a serious 
failure of risk management or 
serious reputational damage.

LTIP awards track the Group’s 
share price and/or a measure 
of Group profit.

118

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022How the element 
supports our short 
and long-term 
strategic objectives

Non-Executive 
Director fees
Provides a level of 
fees to reflect the 
time commitment 
and contributions 
that are expected 
from the Non-
Executive Directors.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance targets

None

The Board as a whole is responsible 
for setting the remuneration of 
the Non-Executive Directors, 
other than the Chair whose 
remuneration is considered 
by the Committee and 
recommended to the Board.

Non-Executive Directors 
are paid a base fee in cash. 
Additional fees may be paid for 
additional responsibilities such 
as acting as Senior Independent 
Director or the Chair of a 
Committee of the Board.

Fee levels are reviewed annually.

The Non-Executive Directors do 
not participate in the Group’s 
incentive arrangements and no 
pension contributions are made 
in respect of them. Reasonable  
travel and subsistence expenses 
may be paid or reimbursed by 
the Group.

The fees paid to 
Non-Executive Directors 
normally will be 
reviewed annually, but 
the Committee reserves 
the right to review fees 
on a discretionary 
basis if it believes an 
adjustment is required 
to reflect market rates, 
scope of responsibilities 
or performance.

There is no prescribed 
maximum increase, but 
in general the level of 
fee increase for the 
Non-Executive Directors 
will be set taking 
account of any change 
in responsibility and 
the general rise in 
salaries across the 
UK workforce.

Service Contracts 
Details of the contracts currently in place for Executive Directors are as follows:

Name

Peter Cowgill

Neil Greenhalgh

Date of contract

16 March 2004

1 November 2018

Notice 
period 
(months)

Unexpired Term

12

12

Rolling 12 months

Rolling 12 months

It is the Group’s policy that notice periods for Executive Director service contracts are no more than 12 months.

The service contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection by shareholders at the forthcoming AGM 
and during normal business hours at the Group’s registered office address.

Non-Executive Directors
The Non-Executive Directors have entered into Letters of Appointment with the Group which are terminable by the  
Non-Executive Director or the Group on not less than three months’ notice.

In 2021/22 we have appointed four new Non-Executive Directors. These appointments will positively contribute to the global 
development and momentum of the Group as well as increasing the gender, ethnic and cultural diversity of the Board.

Payments for Loss of Office
In the event of early termination, the Group may make a termination payment not exceeding one year’s salary and benefits. 
Incidental expenses may also be payable where appropriate. It is at the discretion of the Committee as to whether departing 
Directors would be paid a bonus. In exercising its discretion on determining the amount payable to an Executive Director on 
termination of employment, the Board would consider each instance on an individual basis and take into account contractual 
terms, circumstances of the termination and the commercial interests of the Group. When determining whether a bonus or 
any other payment should be made to a departing Director, the Committee will ensure that no ‘reward for failure’ is made. 
The Committee may make a payment to a departing Director for agreeing to enter into enhanced restrictive covenants 
following termination where it considers that it is in the best interests of the Group to do so.

In the event of gross misconduct, the Group may terminate the service contract of an Executive Director immediately 
and with no liability to make further payments other than in respect of amounts accrued at the date of termination. 

The current Executive Director service contracts permit the Group to put an Executive Director on garden leave for the 
duration of the notice period.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Where cessation of employment is due to ill-health, injury, disability or the sale of the employing entity out of the Group, the 
unvested LTIP award will continue. It will continue to vest in accordance with the original vesting date unless the Committee 
determines that it should vest as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of cessation. In these cases, the award 
may be subject to a proration and the incremental value changes may be capped. 

Where cessation of employment is due to death, the LTIP award will, unless the Committee determine otherwise, vest as soon 
as reasonably practicable following death. Where the Executive Director is dismissed lawfully without notice, the LTIP award 
will lapse on the date of cessation. In these cases, the award may be subject to a proration and the incremental value changes 
may be capped.

In all other circumstances the Committee will determine if the award will lapse, in which case it will determine the extent to 
which the unvested LTIP award shall vest taking into account the extent to which the performance target is satisfied at the 
end of the performance period or, as appropriate, on the date on which employment ceases. The period of time that has 
elapsed since the start of the performance period to the date of cessation of employment will also be taken into account 
unless the Committee determines otherwise.

Change of Control
The Executive Director service contracts contain a change of control provision whereby if 50% or more of the shares in the 
Group come under the direct or indirect control of a person or persons acting in concert, an Executive Director may serve 
notice on the Group, at any time within the 12 month period following a change of control, terminating their employment.

In the event of a change of control, LTIP awards will vest at the date of change of control (other than in respect of an internal 
reorganisation) unless the Committee determines otherwise. 

Statement of Employee Conditions Elsewhere in the Group
Remuneration arrangements are determined throughout the Group based on the same principle that reward should be 
achieved for delivery of the Group’s business strategy and should be competitive within the market to attract and retain 
high-calibre talent, without paying more than is necessary. 

Senior Managers below Board level with a significant ability to influence Group results may participate in an annual bonus plan 
and LTIP which reward both performance and loyalty and are designed to retain and motivate. The current share-based LTIP 
for the Executive Chair and the Chief Financial Officer will be rolled out to the Senior Management team in the coming years.

The Committee considers pay and employment conditions across the Group when reviewing the remuneration of the Executive 
Directors and other senior employees. In particular, the Committee considers the range of base pay increases across the Group 
when determining the increases to award to the Executive Directors.

The Committee has obtained the views of the workforce on issues such as remuneration via the various workforce forums led by 
the Group’s People business partners and attended by Senior Management, including the former Executive Chair. Such views have 
been communicated, as appropriate, to the Committee and the Board via the monthly Board reporting process. The workforce 
committee has provided further insights into the Group’s engagement practices which have been fully considered by the 
Committee and the Board. Changes which have been implemented as a result of these are:

 – The introduction of an employee welfare committee.
 – Global campaign for diversity and inclusion.
 – Employee engagement forums.
 – Apprentice and Kickstart scheme initiatives.

Consideration of Shareholder Views
The Committee engaged with several major shareholders to obtain their views on key aspects of the Policy implementation. 

In previous years, shareholders were concerned that the LTIP scheme implemented did not go far enough to align remuneration 
with shareholder interests. As such, the Committee implemented a significant change to the LTIP scheme from 2021/22 for 
Executive Directors by granting share-based LTIP awards. Currently this has been rolled out to the Executive Directors but 
more members of the Senior Management team will become eligible for participation. For 2022/23, awards will be granted as 
a hybrid of cash and share-based awards for the Chief Financial Officer, with a greater emphasis on the share-based element 
than in 2021/22.

There were concerns raised previously in relation to the loss of simplicity of the arrangement. Whilst there are added complexities 
with the new LTIP given that, for the Chief Financial Officer only, it is a hybrid scheme involving cash and shares, the intention of 
the Committee is that this will move towards an all share-based scheme at the appropriate time in the future, which should also 
have the effect of simplifying the scheme.

120

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Annual Report on Remuneration
Single Total Figure of Remuneration (Audited)
The table below sets out the single total figure of remuneration and breakdown for each Executive and Non-Executive 
Director in respect of the 2021/22 financial year. Comparative figures for the 2020/21 financial year have also been provided. 
Figures provided have been calculated in accordance with the UK disclosure requirements: Schedule 8 of The Large and 
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended) and the requirements of 
the Listing Rules. 

Name

Salary / Fee
(£’000)

Benefits 
(£’000)

Bonus
(£’000)

LTIP
(£’000)

Pension 
(£’000)

Others
(£’000)

Total Fixed 
Remuneration
(£’000)

Total Variable 
Remuneration
(£’000)

2021/
22

2020/
21

2021/
22

2020/
21

2021/
22

2020/
21

2021/
22

2020/
21

2021/
22

2020/
21

2021/
22

2020/
21

2021/
22

2020/
21

2021/
22

2020/
21

Peter Cowgill

863

Neil Greenhalgh

333

Andrew Leslie

Martin Davies

Heather 
Jackson

Kath Smith

Andy Rubin

Andy Long

Bert Hoyt

Helen Ashton

Mahbobeh 
Sabetnia

31

35

46

58

–

–

25

17

10

701

278

52

58

45

45

–

–

–

–

–

3

12

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3 1,553 1,295

–

–

 12

367

300

600

259

–

23

–

22

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 3,000

866

704 1,553 4,295

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

368

 312

 967

559

31

35

46

58

–

–

25

17

10

52

58

45

45

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Notes:
(1)  

(2) 
(3) 

(4) 

(5) 
(6) 

 Both the former Executive Chair and the Chief Financial Officer are in the lower quartile of total remuneration (when compared to publicly available information of 
other FTSE 100 businesses). As a result, an increase to the salary of the Chief Financial Officer was given after the salary reduction during the 2020/21 financial year 
due to COVID-19 and the former Executive Chair’s salary level was restored to its 2019/20 level. Salary reviews are effective annually from 1 April 2021.
 With effect from April 2021, Neil Greenhalgh’s annual salary was increased by £50,000.
 The 2021/2022 fee figure for Bert Hoyt (commenced 8 September 2021), Helen Ashton (commenced 15 November 2021) and Mahbobeh Sabetnia (commenced 
29 November 2021) represents a part-year figure based on when they commenced their role. Andy Long joined the Board on 6 May 2021 but does not receive 
any remuneration in connection with his directorship.
 The 2021/22 salary figure for Andrew Leslie (resigned 1 July 2021), Martin Davies (resigned 9 July 2021) and Heather Jackson (resigned 29 November 2021) are 
also part-year, based on their leave date. Andy Rubin left the Board on 6 May 2021 and did not receive any remuneration in connection with his directorship.
 The basis of calculation has been updated to ensure all figures are based on year to date values. 
 Neil Greenhalgh’s pension value is provided by means of a pension allowance salary supplement and an Employers Pension Scheme contribution. The values for 
2021/22 have been updated to reflect what was paid during the financial year 2021/22. Peter Cowgill did not receive a pension contribution.

The benefit received by Peter Cowgill and Neil Greenhalgh is healthcare insurance. A car allowance is also payable to Neil Greenhalgh.

Pension contributions were:

 –  Peter Cowgill – 0% of salary; and
 – Neil Greenhalgh – 8% of salary.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Additional Information Regarding the Single Figure Table (Audited)
2021/22 Annual Bonus Awards 
Under the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the maximum bonus awards for Executive Directors are up to 200% of salary. Based  
on an assessment of the relative roles and responsibilities, the Committee determined that the maximum bonus opportunities 
for 2021/22 would be 200% of salary for the former Executive Chair and 120% of salary for the Chief Financial Officer. 

The annual bonuses for the Executive Directors were based on a mix of financial targets (66.7%) and strategic/non-financial 
performance objectives (33.3%). The Committee maintains the view that this is an appropriate method of incentivising the 
Executive Directors to focus their efforts on the fundamental drivers for growth and exceptional performance during the 
course of the financial year. The apportioning and determination of the award values for the 2021/22 annual bonus values 
were measured against the following criteria:

Weighting Criteria

Target Outcome

Actual performance

67%

£460.1 million

 £483 million

£957.9 million

Profit Before Tax 
and Exceptional 
Items (proforma 
IAS 17 basis)

People

6.7%

Promote and expand 
the succession planning 
and development 
of people within 
the Group.

Identify a succession 
plan for the senior 
leadership team.

Ensure that the targets 
are met in line with the 
Hampton-Alexander 
Davies review and 
the Parker review. 

Provide an 
infrastructure that 
supports development 
and mobility.

All senior leadership team members have a 
succession plan to develop the appropriate 
skills and leadership to step into business-
critical roles and have highlighted pathway 
planning strategies for the forthcoming 
financial year.

Changes to infrastructures have been put in 
place to allow for growth of apprenticeships, 
skills training, qualifications and engagement 
in government initiatives whilst focusing 
on diversity, equality and inclusion and social 
mobility.

% vesting

100%

100%

Environmental

6.7%

Maintain ‘leading’ 
sector-level 
performance on critical 
environmental issues 
including climate 
change and water 
stewardship.

Independent, verifiable 
reports demonstrating 
that the Group remains 
a sector-level ‘leader’ 
for environmental/
climate change 
performance.

Deliver climate change 
training and education 
across our directly-
controlled supply 
chain, with a primary 
focus on private label 
manufacturing.

Delivery of a TCFD-
compliant 2021/22 
Annual Report.

Demonstrate sector-
level of ESG 
performance with 
regards to: 

i) advocacy to 
reduce the impact 
of climate change;

ii) support for major 
climate change 
initiatives; and 

iii) TCFD compliance 
and improved 
transparency of 
environmental data.

In December 2021, the Group achieved its 
second successive ‘A-’ grade for the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (‘CDP’), two grades higher 
than the average for the retail sector.

100%

The Group also retained a strong ‘B’ grade 
within the CDP ‘Water Stewardship’, reflecting 
the continued progress of our private label 
team and site operational efficiencies.

CDP scoring metrics intensified from the prior 
period ‘A- grade’ achievement requiring 
significant year-on-year improvements, such 
as verification of Scope 1 and 2 Science Based 
Target initiatives, which we have achieved 
against the 1.5c scenario.

The Group is a participating member and 
advocate of the RE100, United Nations ‘Road to 
Zero’, Better Cotton and Textile 2030 initiatives, 
each of which underlines our ESG credentials 
during this first TCFD reporting year.

122

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022% vesting

100%

Weighting Criteria

Target Outcome

Actual performance

Sustainability

6.7%

Provide an over-
arching, risk and 
outcome assessment 
demonstrating Group 
prioritisation of 
sustainability/
and environmental 
based activities.

Provide internal 
colleagues and 
external stakeholders 
(suppliers, investors 
and customers) with 
a transparent view 
of (independently-
assessed) Group 
climate-related risks 
and opportunities via 
both our TCFD 
disclosure and 
re-launched corporate 
website.

Increase engagement 
with strategic private 
label suppliers and the 
Group’s largest brand 
suppliers on ESG-
related engagements.

Our Corporate website re-launch further 
improved our ESG-related disclosures 
and communication. 

We undertook our largest ever consumer ESG 
survey, attracting almost 10,000 responses to 
further inform our future strategy.

Our TCFD disclosure is included within the ESG 
section of this report. During the period, the 
Group received an (independently assessed)  
A- score for our CDP Climate Change survey. 
Our Group Science Based Targets for Scope 1-3 
have been validated by the Science Based Target 
Initiative Board. Accordingly, documented Group 
climate risks and opportunities have been 
reviewed and approved by the ESG Committee 
Chair prior to publication. During the period, 
detailed climate-related content has been added 
to the ESG section of our corporate website, 
providing further confidence for customers, 
colleagues and investors alike. 

During the period, the Group increased 
the frequency of ESG engagement with adidas, 
Nike, Puma and Under Armour, whilst also 
engaging private label suppliers on the topic 
of climate change and renewable energy use. 

The Group launched its ‘IAMSustainable’ training 
programme within the year, accessible to over 
20,000 colleagues. Our training materials were 
shared with, and advised upon, by strategic 
brand partners. The Group #IAMSUSTAINABLE 
project has been submitted to the Chartered 
Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) 
‘Excellence in Procurement’ awards for ‘Best 
Sustainability Project of the Year’.

Governance (of 
climate change)

6.7%

Active participation 
and leadership within 
sector/industry 
initiatives to promote 
‘circular economy’ 
principles, to reduce 
the impact of the 
fashion industry on 
the environment.

Recognising the 
importance of climate 
change, the governance 
of the activities to 
reduce the impact of 
climate change were 
selected for this metric. 
This reflects the 
importance of 
protecting workers 
within the supply chain 
through education, 
communication and 
disclosures. 

The Group is a member of Textiles 2030 – 
WRAP’s expert-led initiative to accelerate the 
fashion/textiles industry move towards 
circularity and system change. The Group has 
also joined the advisory group for this initiative. 

100%

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

% vesting

100%

Weighting Criteria

Target Outcome

Actual performance

Digital  
Innovation

6.7%

Ensure that the 
business continues to 
innovate and embrace 
technology to maximise 
online consumer 
adoption and defend 
market position.

Increased customer 
adoption driven via 
digital innovations.

The capability of the digital/online platforms 
were leveraged to enable scaling of the B2C 
supply chain. 

Flexibility provided in 
the online driven B2C 
supply chain to increase 
capacity, throughput 
and consumer choice.

This provided additional consumer choice and 
increased online sales against the previous 
inflated COVID-19 year when much store 
demand had switched online.

Introduction of allocation and routing 
technology enabled multiple distribution 
centres to be provisioned and competitive 
customer service level agreements to 
be maintained throughout the peak 
trading period.

The online consumer proposition was further 
expanded via the addition of new territories 
and online businesses.

As a result of this performance, the Committee determined that the following bonuses were appropriate:

The formulaic outcome under the annual bonus leads to a 100% of maximum pay out for both the former Executive Chair and the 
Chief Financial Officer. The outcome takes into account the exceptional financial performance (108.2% increase in profit before 
tax and exceptional items on a pro-forma IAS 17 basis), strong shareholder returns (18% TSR) and the repayment of furlough 
monies during the year.

Nevertheless, recognising events within the year that resulted in a CMA fine, the Committee determined that discretion should 
be applied to reduce the formulaic bonus outcomes by 10%. The Group will continue to further strengthen corporate governance 
and intends to specifically measure an element of the 2022/23 annual bonus on corporate governance related issues. As a result, 
the final annual bonus outcome is equivalent to 90% of maximum; equivalent to 180% of salary for the former Executive Chair 
and 108% of salary for the Chief Financial Officer. 

LTIP Awards with Performance Periods Ended During 2021/22
The LTIP payments that Neil Greenhalgh became entitled to during the year were granted under the Executive Director LTIP in 
April 2019 in respect of performance during the three financial years from 3 February 2019 to 29 January 2022. Full details of 
this LTIP can be found within the final year of 2014 AGM notice at www.jdplc.com.

Neil Greenhalgh’s awards were subject to the following performance targets relating to the Group’s Profit Before Tax and 
Exceptionals on a pro-forma IAS 17 basis.

Pro-forma IAS 17 Profit Before Tax and Exceptionals  
for each Relevant Year in the Performance Period

Percentage of the relevant proportion  
of the Award which Vests

Less than Threshold

Threshold Target

Maximum Target

0%

25%

100%

Between Threshold and Maximum

Pro-rata on a straight-line basis

Relevant Year

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

Threshold

£355 million

£370 million

£385 million

Maximum

£370 million

£385 million

£400 million

Actual IAS 17 Profit
 Before Tax & Exceptionals

£465.6 million

£460.1 million

 £957.9 million

As the actual Profit Before Tax and Exceptionals on a pro-forma IAS 17 basis exceeded the maximum levels in each year of the 
performance period, 100% of Neil Greenhalgh’s April 2019 LTIP award vested in April 2022. 

124

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Long Term Incentives Granted During 2021/22
The Executive Directors were granted the following awards under the LTIP:

Form of award 
(% of total award value)

Name

Grant Date

% of salary

Cash-based

Share-based 
(nil-cost 
options)(2)

Peter Cowgill

20 October 2021

100%

Neil Greenhalgh 20 October 2021

100%(3)

–

67%

100%

33%

Number of 
shares 
underlying the 
share-based 

award(1)

81,855(1)

10,645(1)

Vesting Date

20 October 2026

20 October 2026 (share-based)
20 October 2024 (cash-based)

(1)  

(2) 

(3) 

 Based on the share price of £10.54, being the middle-market quotation on the dealing day prior to the grant date. Subsequent to the grant of these shares, 
the Company completed a sub-division of the Company’s issued share capital on a 5:1 basis. As a result, the number of shares granted to Peter Cowgill was 
409,275 and for Neil Greenhalgh this is 53,225.
 Malus and clawback provisions apply to all share-based awards. The Committee can use its discretion to reduce, cancel or impose further conditions on the 
awards where it considers such action is appropriate. This includes where there has been a material misstatement of the Company’s audited financial results, 
a serious failure of risk management or serious reputational damage.
 The total value of the awards which can be paid to the Chief Financial Officer at vesting is capped at 250% of base salary calculated as at the grant 
date. The amount of the cash-based award will be reduced to the extent the total exceeds the cap, and if/when the share-based award vests, the sum 
of the cash-based award already vested and the market value of the shares that vest exceeds the cap, then the vesting of the share-based award will 
be reduced accordingly.

Awards will generally only vest or become exercisable subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition measured 
over a three-year performance period. Awards will vest dependent on the satisfaction of performance conditions over the 
performance period, with the targets determined by the Committee prior to the date of grant. The performance conditions 
must contain objective conditions, which must be related to the underlying financial performance of the Company. 

The vesting level of the awards granted to the Executive Directors on 20 October 2021 will be based on the extent to which 
the Group PBT at the end of the three-year performance period commencing on 1 February 2021 exceeds the minimum PBT 
target set by the Committee prior to the date of grant. Details of the specific PBT targets are considered commercially sensitive 
and will be disclosed in the Directors Remuneration Report following the end of the performance period. 

Following the departure of Peter Cowgill, as announced on 25 May 2022, this LTIP award will lapse on cessation in accordance 
with the Policy.

The Committee will have the flexibility to make appropriate adjustments to the performance conditions in exceptional 
circumstances such as large acquisitions, disposals or pandemics, to ensure that the Award achieves its original purpose. 
Any vesting is also subject to the Committee being satisfied that the Company’s performance on these measures is consistent 
with underlying business performance.

Statement of Directors’ Shareholdings and Share Interests (Audited)
The interests of the Directors who held office at 29 January 2022 and persons closely associated with them in the Company’s 
ordinary shares are shown below:

Director

Peter Cowgill

Neil Greenhalgh

Unvested and subject 
to performance 
conditions

Unvested and subject 
to continued 
employment(2)

Vested but not 
yet exercised

29 January 2022

30 January 2021

(restated)(4)

81,855(3)

10,645(3)

–

–

–

–

9,714,670

19,464,670

10,000

10,000

(1)   No options were exercised by the Directors during the year to 29 January 2022.
(2)   Refers to any unvested options under the LTIP for which the three-year performance period has expired.
(3)  

 Following the 5 for 1 share split that took effect on 30 November 2021, the number of shares underlying the award granted to Peter Cowgill was adjusted to 
409,275 and the award granted to Neil Greenhalgh was adjusted to 53,225.

(4)  The comparative figures have been restated for the 5:1 share split that was effective from 30 November 2021.

Following the departure of Peter Cowgill, as announced on 25 May 2022, the LTIP award granted during the year will lapse 
on cessation in accordance with the Policy and therefore Peter Cowgill has no share interests that are unvested and subject 
to performance conditions. There have been no other changes in the interests of the Directors or persons closely associated 
with them between 29 January 2022 and the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this report. The holdings stated 
above are held directly by the Directors and persons closely associated with them are not subject to any performance targets. 
The Directors have no other interests in Company shares.

Stock Ownership Guidelines
There are currently no minimum share ownership guidelines applicable to the Executive Directors. As the share-based 
element of the LTIP is a new basis of remuneration for the Group, the intention is to allow the LTIP to mature prior to setting 
minimum share ownership guidelines for the Executive Directors. Over time, the Group will be working towards Executive 
Directors holding a minimum percentage of base salary in the shares of the Company. 

125

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

At the discretion of the Committee this may also include post-employment termination periods. It is not intended that this 
will be reviewed during the duration of the current Policy, although this may be subject to review or change at the direction 
of the Committee. 

Details of Scheme Interests
See page 125 for details of LTIP awards granted during 2021/22. The Directors hold no other outstanding scheme interests in shares. 

Payments to Past Directors (Audited)
No such payments were made.

Payments for Loss of Office (Audited) 
No such payments were made.

Total Shareholder Return (Unaudited)
The following graph shows the Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) of the Group in comparison to the FTSE All Share General 
Retailers Index over the past ten years. The Committee consider the FTSE All Share General Retailers Index a relevant index 
for total shareholder return comparison disclosure required under the Regulations as the index represents the broad range 
of UK quoted retailers. TSR is calculated for each financial year-end relative to the base date of 31 January 2012 by taking 
the percentage change of the market price over the relevant period, reinvesting any dividends at the ex-dividend rate.

%

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

31/1/12

31/1/13

31/1/14

31/1/15

31/1/16

31/1/17

31/1/18

31/1/19

31/1/20

31/1/21

31/1/22

JD Sports Fashion plc

FTSE All Share General Retailers Index

Former Executive Chair’s Remuneration Over Past Ten years (Unaudited) 
The total remuneration figures for the former Executive Chair during each of the last ten financial years are shown in the table 
below. The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus based on that year’s performance and the LTIP award based 
on three-year performance periods ending in the relevant financial year. The annual bonus pay-out and LTIP vesting level as 
a percentage of the maximum opportunity are also shown for each of these years.

Salary

Total remuneration £m

Annual bonus %

LTIP vesting %

Year ended

Jan 
2013

Jan 
2014

Jan 
2015

Jan 
2016

Jan 
2017

Jan 
2018

Jan 
2019

Jan 
2020

Jan 
2021

Jan 
2022

2.0

37

100

3.1

100

n/a

2.0

100

2.7

2.8

2.3

2.6

5.6

200

200

200

200

200

n/a*

n/a*

100*

n/a

n/a

n/a

5.0

150

n/a

2.4

180

n/a

* 

 The LTIP performance criteria was achieved over the full three-year period to 28 January 2017 and the award was paid on 30 October 2017. 

LTIP vesting is n/a for certain years as the former Executive Chair was not awarded an LTIP and therefore no LTIP vested.

Percentage Change in Executive and Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration (Unaudited) 
The table below shows the percentage change in the Executive and Non-Executive Directors’ salary and annual bonus between 
financial years ended on 29 January 2022 and 30 January 2021 compared to UK Head Office employees in the JD and Size? 
businesses, being deemed by the Board as the most appropriate comparator group based on the Group as they are remunerated 
in the most comparable way within the Group. For this table we use the Head office employees average data as including the 
retail data would skew the results.

126

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Salary

Former Executive Chair

Chief Financial Officer

Non-Executive Director – Martin Davies

Non-Executive Director – Andrew Leslie

Non-Executive Director – Heather Jackson

Non-Executive Director – Kath Smith

UK Head Office employee average

Benefits

Former Executive Chair

Chief Financial Officer

Non-Executive Director – Martin Davies

Non-Executive Director – Andrew Leslie

Non-Executive Director – Heather Jackson

Non-Executive Director – Kath Smith

UK Head Office employee average

Annual bonus

Former Executive Chair

Chief Financial Officer

Non-Executive Director- Martin Davies

Non-Executive Director- Andrew Leslie

Non-Executive Director- Heather Jackson

Non-Executive Director- Kath Smith

UK Head Office employee average

% change 
from 2019/20 
to 2020/21

% change 
from 2020/21 
to 2021/22

(18.77%)

(3.47%)

23.11%

19.78%

(18.31%)

(39.66%)

(17.46%)

(40.38%)

(19.64%)

12.50%

1.28%

3.05%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

2.22%

28.89%

16.80%

3.99%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

(18.86%)

(0.69%)

(24.97%)

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

4.53%

19.92%

22.33%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

37.21%

Benefit comparisons are undertaken on information held at the point in time of calculation this includes year to date figures for 
the Executive Directors, and last submitted P11D benefit values for all other employees.

The variation in salary and bonus for the former Executive Chair represents a restoration of salary to a pre-COVID-19 level and 
the bonus paid remains below that of the 2019/20 year.

The Non-Executive Director changes reflect changes to roles, remits and changes in members during the financial year.

CEO Pay Ratio (Unaudited)
Set out below are ratios which compare the total remuneration of the former Executive Chair (as included in the single figure 
table on page 121 to the remuneration of the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile of our UK employees.

Financial year end

2019/20

Base Salary

Total Remuneration 

Financial year end

2020/21

Method 
used

25th 
Percentile 
Ratio

50th 
Percentile 
Ratio

75th 
Percentile 
Ratio

B

348:1

310:1

304:1

25th 
Percentile 
Remuneration 

50th 
Percentile 
Remuneration

75th 
Percentile 
Remuneration

£16,067

£16,067

£17,877

£17,981

£18,299

£18,366

Method used

25th 
Percentile 
Ratio

50th 
Percentile 
Ratio

75th 
Percentile 
Ratio

B

251:1

183:1

140:1

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

Base Salary

Financial year end

2021/22

Base Salary

Total Remuneration 

25th 
Percentile 
Remuneration 

50th 
Percentile 
Remuneration

75th 
Percentile 
Remuneration

£15,624

£15,624

£21,174

£21,511

£27,929

£28,139

Total Remuneration 

Method used

25th Percentile 
Ratio

50th 
Percentile 
Ratio

75th Percentile 
Ratio

B

351:1

191:1

110:1

25th Percentile 
Remuneration 

50th 
Percentile 
Remuneration

75th Percentile 
Remuneration

£10,373

£19,064

£32,531

£10,405

£19,064

£33,232

We have used Option B in the legislation to identify the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile UK employees. This has utilised the 
most recent data from our UK gender pay gap reporting for April 2021. 

The Group has elected to utilise this approach for this year as to prepare individual employee calculations across a vast 
employee base would be overly complicated. In line with published guidelines, any employee receiving a furlough payment 
in the period was excluded as they are not considered a full pay relevant employee.

By utilising the gender pay gap data we have identified the employees at the three percentiles. To then calculate total 
remuneration for these individuals, we have used the same methodology applied in the single figure calculation.

The largest population of employees within the Group are store colleagues and warehouse operatives and the individuals 
represented at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile were identified by the use of the gender pay data. It is important to note 
that when completing the Gender Pay Gap data, we removed any individuals in receipt of furlough as this would mean that 
they are not full pay employees and therefore do not meet the requirement to be included in the report. As stores opened in 
April 2021 we still had an element of Flexible Furlough for that month which was also our snapshot date for the report per 
the guidelines. Although the Gender Pay Gap Analysis was undertaken on a smaller sample, we believe these ratios, and the 
individuals, are representative and appropriate given the guidelines that we have been required to apply. 

All comparator employees were full-time for this year’s calculation, as such we have now converted any hourly rate of pay 
into the equivalent 40-hour week. 

As the former Executive Chair was in receipt of variable pay that is linked to the Group’s performance, the level of remuneration 
will vary vastly from year-to-year and this, combined with the factors above, contribute to the level of the ratios. 

Relative Importance of the Spend on Pay (Unaudited)
The following table shows the Group’s actual spend on pay (for all employees) relative to dividends, tax and retained profits:

Staff costs

Dividends

Tax

Retained profits

2022 
(£m)

1,142.0

14.9

195.1

459.6

2021 
(£m)

785.9

–

94.8

229.2

% 
change

45.3%

–

105.8%

100.5%

Implementation of Remuneration Policy in Financial Year 2022/23 (Unaudited)
The Committee proposes to implement the policy for 2022/23 as set out below:

Salaries and Benefits
Salaries for the Executive Directors, effective 1 April 2022, are set out below:

Former Executive Chair

Chief Financial Officer

April 2022

April 2021

% increase

£906,000

£862,750

£450,000

£340,000

5.0%

32.4%

Senior Management teams and the wider workforce may receive an increase in line with Policy.

128

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
As part of the annual pay review and in line with the pay increases for the wider workforce, we increased the former Executive 
Chair’s salary by 5.0%.

Whilst the increase for the Chief Financial Officer is at a materially higher percentage than those given to the wider workforce, 
the Committee believes that this increase delivers a fair remuneration package for a Chief Financial Officer (with additional 
operational responsibilities) operating in a business of this size and complexity.

Benefits and pension will be provided in line with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. 

The following salary/fees will be paid to the Chief Financial Officer effective from 25 May 2022:

Chief Financial Officer: A responsibility allowance will be paid of £250,000 per annum (pro-rated monthly for as long as 
required) to reflect the enhanced responsibilities and duties of the role during the period of transition following the separation 
of the Chair and Chief Executive Officer roles and prior to the appointment of permanent roles.

Non-Executive Director Fees (Unaudited)
As detailed in the Audit & Risk Committee report which commences on page 108, it was determined that extensive work should 
be undertaken to fully review and improve the Group’s corporate governance, risk and controls processes. It was agreed that 
two of the Non-Executive Directors (being Kath Smith and Helen Ashton) form a Governance Committee with specific Terms of 
Reference to lead the governance review, supported by various advisors. In recognition of the complexity of such additional 
responsibilities and the additional time commitment, which extend beyond the normal responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors, 
during the period of 30 January 2022 to 24 May 2022, additional remuneration was considered. It was agreed by the former 
Executive Chair (acting in the capacity of Chair and Chief Executive Officer) that the Non-Executive Directors would receive 
fees at £3,500 per additional day worked. In total as at 24 May 2022, they had received gross fees of £80,755 for Kath Smith 
and £89,795 for Helen Ashton, in addition to their normal Non-Executive Director fees. These amounts will also be reported in 
the Single Total Figure for 2022/23 as part of the Group’s next Annual Report and Accounts.

In addition, following the announcement on the 25 May 2022 regarding the appointment of Helen Ashton as Interim Chair and 
Kath Smith as Interim Chief Executive Officer, the following fees have been agreed:

 – The Interim Chief Executive Officer will receive an annual fee of £1.2 million on a pro rata basis. Kath Smith will serve the role 

on a full-time basis whilst a permanent appointment is sought. No variable pay or benefits will be paid.

 –  The Interim Non-Executive Chair will receive a basic annual fee of £425,000 on a pro-rata basis for her duties in that role. 

Helen Ashton is expected to devote two days per week for her role as Interim Chair, and will receive additional fees for any 
further days worked. No variable pay or benefits will be paid.

As noted, the current intention is that they would both step back into their permanent Non-Executive Director roles as soon as 
practicable following the commencement of permanent replacements. 

LTIP
The Committee intends to grant awards under the LTIP for the 2022/23 financial year to the Chief Financial Officer, consistent 
with the approach taken in 2021/22 financial year as set out in page 125, in accordance with the Remuneration Policy.

The face value of the awards will be 100% of salary for the Chief Financial Officer. The exact number of share-based awards 
to be granted is to be determined with reference to the prevailing mid-market share price the day before the date of grant. 
The Chief Financial Officer’s grant will consist of 50% cash-based and 50% share-based awards.

The award will be subject to performance linked to Profit Before Tax over a three-year period. Specific targets will be disclosed in 
the annual report on remuneration following the end of the relevant performance period. Cash-based awards will vest three years 
after grant, and share-based awards will vest five years after grant. The awards will be subject to malus and clawback provisions. 

2022/23 Annual Bonus Awards 
The annual bonus maximum, as a percentage of base salary, is as follows:

Chief Financial Officer

200%

Financial Targets and Strategic Objectives for the Annual Bonus Awards in 2022/23
The split between financial targets and strategic objectives will remain two thirds and one third respectively. The financial 
targets will include a minimum threshold below which no bonus will be payable. 

The strategic objectives will be set against criteria in the following categories:

1.  People – focused on succession planning and development of people within the Group.
2. Environmental – focused on maintaining performance on issues such as climate change and water stewardship
3.  Sustainability – focused on providing an overarching risk and outcome assessment demonstrating Group prioritisation of sustainability.
4. Governance – focused on the strengthening and delivery of corporate governance controls and processes.
5. Digital Innovation – innovation and embracing technology to maximise online consumer adoption.

The Board considers that both the financial targets and the strategic objectives for the financial year to 28 January 2023 
are commercially sensitive and so will be disclosed in the next Annual Report. 

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Statement of Voting at Annual General Meeting (Unaudited) 
At the 2021 AGM, the Directors’ Remuneration Report received the following votes from shareholders:

For

609,424,422

68.49%

Against

280,316,172

31.51%

At the 2021 AGM, the Directors’ Remuneration Policy received the following votes from shareholders:

For

712,912,592

79.99%

Against

178,373,866

20.01%

Withheld

6,184,469

Withheld

4,638,605

Composition of the Committee and Advisors (Unaudited)
The current composition of the Remuneration Committee and details of the changes to the composition during the financial 
year are detailed on page 103. The Committee has met twice during the year under review and details of attendance at the 
Committee meetings is set out on page 101. 

In addition to the meetings noted above, the Committee met several times on an informal basis following the financial year end, 
including two further formal Committee meetings for which the Remuneration Committee attended to discuss remuneration in 
the context of the new leadership roles and structure.

The Committee assists the Board in determining the Group’s policy on Executive Directors’ remuneration and determines the 
specific remuneration packages for Senior Executives, including the Executive Directors, on behalf of the Board. Peter Cowgill, 
the former Executive Chair and Neil Greenhalgh, the Chief Financial Officer, have assisted the Committee when requested with 
regards to matters concerning key Executives below Board level.

The Committee can obtain independent and objective advice at the Company’s expense where they consider it appropriate 
and in order to perform their duties. PwC have provided advice in relation to the Policy application and reporting and the 
Company also engaged with Freshfields LLP and Addleshaw Goddard LLP in relation to the above. The Committee is satisfied 
that the advice received from the external consultants was independent and objective. The Company incurred fees of 
approximately £45,000 excluding VAT during 2021/22 for such advice taken from these external advisors.

The Committee is formally constituted with written terms of reference, which are available on the Company’s corporate 
website www.jdplc.com. The Committee engages with the major shareholders or other representative groups where 
appropriate concerning remuneration matters.

The Committee is mindful of the Company’s social, ethical and environmental responsibilities and is satisfied that the current 
remuneration arrangements and policies do not encourage irresponsible behaviour.

Members of senior management, including the Group People Director and the independent advisor to the Committee are 
invited to attend meetings where appropriate. The Group Company Secretary and General Counsel is the secretary to the 
Committee. Attendees are not involved in any decisions and are not present in any discussions involving their own remuneration. 

Following the AGM, we propose the appointment of a permanent Remuneration Committee Chair. Together with our advisors it 
has been agreed that they will continue to monitor changes within corporate governance developments relevant to the Group 
and best practice to determine any revisions to the remuneration policy to ensure it is fit for purpose going forward. We are 
always keen to listen to shareholder feedback and very much look forward to engaging with shareholders in the future.

Bert Hoyt
Interim Chair of the Remuneration Committee

22 June 2022

130

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements 
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Parent Company financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent Company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted international 
accounting standards and applicable law and have elected to prepare the Parent Company financial statements in accordance 
with UK accounting standards and applicable law, including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. In addition the Group 
financial statements are required under the UK Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules to be prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the 
European Union (“IFRSs as adopted by the EU”).

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Parent Company and of the Group’s profit or loss for that period. 
In preparing each of the Group and Parent Company financial statements, the Directors are required to: 

 – Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. 
 –  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable, relevant and reliable. 
 – State whether they have been prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with 

the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, International Financial 
Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the UK-adopted international 
accounting standards. 

 –  Assess the Group and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters 

related to going concern. 

 –  Use the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or 

to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Parent Company 
and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such 
internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open 
to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Responsibility Statement of the Directors in Respect of the Annual Financial Report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: 

 – The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view 

of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole.

 – The Strategic Report and Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and 
the position of the issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description 
of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face. 

We consider the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy. This responsibility 
statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 22 June 2022 and is signed on its behalf by:

Neil Greenhalgh
Chief Financial Officer

22 June 2022

131

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 

to the members of JD Sports Fashion plc

1.  Our Opinion is Unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of JD Sports Fashion Plc (‘the Group’) for the year ended 29 January 2022 which 
comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, 
the Company Balance Sheet, the Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including the accounting 
policies in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and Note C1 to the company financial statements.

In our opinion:
 – the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 

29 January 2022 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 – the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK- adopted international accounting 

standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006;

 – the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK accounting standards, 

including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework; and

 – the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities are described below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate 
basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is consistent with our report to the Audit & Risk Committee.

We were first appointed as auditor by the shareholders in March 1996. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the 
26 financial years ended 29 January 2022. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of 
the Group in accordance with, UK ethical requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest 
entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that standard were provided.

Overview 

Materiality: Group financial 
statements as a whole

Coverage

Key audit matters

New risks

£30m (2021: £16.5m)

3.2% (2021: 4.1%) of normalised profit before tax

88.6% (2021: 84.8%) of Group absolute profit before tax

Group: Management override of controls

Group: Valuation of the separately identifiable tradename intangible recognised as part of 
the DTLR Villa acquisition

–

Group and Parent: Existence, accuracy and presentation of accruals

Group and Parent: Completeness and presentation of provisions and contingent liabilities

vs 2021

2.  Key Audit Matters: Our Assessment of Risks of Material Misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified 
by us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team. We summarise below the key audit matters, in decreasing order of audit 
significance, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to address those matters and, as 
required for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. These matters were addressed, and our results are based 
on procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and 
in forming our opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on 
these matters.

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JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022The risk

Our response

Management 
override of 
controls
Refer to page 
108 (Audit & 
Risk Committee 
Report)

We assessed an increased risk of potential 
management override of controls due to 
fraud given the dominance of a small number 
of Executive Directors in a unique position to 
manipulate accounting records, together with 
certain matters arising during the year and up 
to the date of our audit report, relating to 
the culture of, and actions taken by, those 
individuals, including: 

 – Anticompetitive behaviour in relation to the 

sale of football club replica kit and the resulting 
CMA investigations as discussed in Note 23.
 – Breach of the CMA’s hold separate order in 

respect of the Footasylum acquisition by the 
Group, (see Note 3 and Note 32).

 – Lack of required declaration to the FCA under 

Principle 11 of the FCA Handbook.

 – Completeness of related party transactions 

disclosed during the course of the audit, (see 
Note 31).

In addition, in the course of our current year 
audit we noted that the Directors had failed 
to make us aware of certain facts related to 
anticompetitive behaviour that were known 
to the Directors at the date of our audit report 
on the prior year financial statements. There is 
a risk that the prior year financial statements 
are materially misstated as a result.

Since the year end, the Board has engaged 
advisors to carry out a number of investigations 
into actions taken by senior management, 
including those noted above. Alongside these 
investigations, the Board has completed a review 
of the Group’s Corporate Governance operating 
model and assessed its current compliance with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code. Additional  
background to this review and the matters noted 
can be found in the Audit & Risk Committee 
report on page 108.

In addition to our response set out here, our 
separate KAMs on accruals, provisions and 
contingent liabilities describe further procedures 
in response to these matters and our work in 
respect of laws and regulations is described in 
Section 6 of our audit report.

Our response included increasing the number of components 
in scope for Group audit purposes, reducing materiality as a 
percentage of the benchmark for the Group financial statements 
as a whole and revisiting our risk assessment. We also undertook 
a series of additional audit procedures, which included: 

Extended scope: for all in scope components carried out additional, 
focused journal testing to look for journals that we considered had 
characteristics of being indicative of management override of 
control. These characteristics included key word searches;

Enquiry of personnel: for all in scope components made inquiries 
of individuals involved in the financial reporting process about 
inappropriate or unusual activity relating to the processing of 
journal entries and other judgements;

Enquiry of management: for all in scope components expanded 
our enquires of senior management in respect of compliance 
matters, including a walkthrough of procedures in place to 
identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and 
associated accounting analysis;

Extended scope: undertook additional testing in respect of 
key supplier arrangements, including obtaining third party 
confirmations of certain rebates recognised in the year;

Accounting analysis: assessed accounting estimates for bias 
and evaluated whether the circumstances producing the bias, 
if any, represent a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. 

Use of specialists: with the assistance of our forensic specialists 
we challenged the scope of review carried out by the advisors 
appointed by the Board to investigate certain actions taken by 
senior management;

Third party confirmations: completed a circularisation of the 
related party that had not been disclosed to us and that sits 
outside the Group to confirm transactions undertaken during 
the current and prior year;

Accounting analysis: considered management’s approach to 
deciding which audit differences were recorded and considered 
if this presented any management bias;

Board representations: assessed the enhancement in the Board’s 
approach to approving the Group’s representations following 
our challenge given as part of the audit finalisation process and 
considered whether this would prevent or detect if an incomplete 
representation was given;

Accounting analysis: assessed whether any material prior period 
error existed in respect of information that was known or could 
reasonably have been known to the Directors at the date of 
authorisation of the financial statements for the prior period 
ended 30 January 2021; and

Assessing transparency: assessed the disclosures made in the Audit 
& Risk Committee Report in relation to the investigations undertaken 
by the Board in respect of actions taken by senior management and 
the related regulatory matters for consistency with our knowledge 
and understanding acquired during the audit.

Our results 
Following these additional procedures and corrected audit 
adjustments we determined that the financial statements are 
not materially misstated as a result of management override.

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The risk

Our response

Subjective estimate
On 17 March 2021, the Group acquired the entire 
issued shareholding of DTLR Villa LLC, a US company.

Due to the nature of the balance, we would expect to obtain audit 
evidence primarily through the detailed procedures described, 
rather than seeking to rely on any of the Group’s controls.

The purchase price allocation valuation is subject 
to estimation uncertainty.

The fair value of the DTLR Villa tradename 
has been identified as the significant estimate 
in the purchase price allocation, and specifically 
the royalty rate used in deriving this value.

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our 
risk assessment, we determined that the royalty 
rate used has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of outcomes 
greater than our materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole. The financial statements 
(Note 1) disclose the sensitivity estimated by 
the Group.

Our procedures included:
Methodology choice: with the assistance of our valuation specialists 
both at a group and component level, we assessed the results of the 
valuation by checking that the valuation was in accordance with 
relevant accounting standards and acceptable valuation practice;

Benchmarking assumptions: with the assistance of our valuation 
specialists, we challenged the key assumptions used in the valuation, 
in particular the royalty rate used by comparing them to externally 
derived data and comparable transactions;

Sensitivity analysis: we performed sensitivity analysis on the key 
assumptions noted above;

Our sector experience: assessing whether the key assumptions used, 
in particular the royalty rate, reflect our knowledge of the business 
and industry; and

Assessing transparency: assessing the appropriateness of the Group’s 
disclosures in respect of the valuation of separately identifiable 
intangible assets recognised on acquisition of DTLR Villa.

Our results
We found the valuation of the DTLR Villa tradename to be acceptable.

The risk

Our response

Accounting treatment
The recent strong performance of the Group 
and Company may provide management 
an incentive to manipulate the Group and 
Company’s results. As a result, accruals may be 
an area more susceptible to management bias.

Given the nature of the balance, we would expect to obtain audit 
evidence primarily through the detailed procedures described below, 
rather than seeking to rely on any of the Group’s or Company’s 
controls. As a result of the increased risk identified, our substantive 
work described below was expanded, for example by increasing 
the items tested.

As described above, we also assessed there to be 
an increased potential management override risk.

As noted within our provisions KAM, there is 
increased risk over the presentation of accruals 
versus provisions given historically there have 
been a number of balances recognised as accruals 
which should have been classified as provisions.

Our procedures included:
Test of details: we discussed with management the rationale 
for a sample of accruals and agreed to supporting invoices, 
calculations and/or third party correspondence as appropriate. 
We also performed analytical procedures on other balances 
where appropriate expectations could be set;

Accounting analysis: we retained a particular focus on the 
classification between accruals and provisions and challenged 
management to provide rationale where a reclassification appears 
to be required; and

Assessing transparency: we assessed the adequacy of the Group 
and Company’s classification in respect of accruals.

Our results
We consider the existence, accuracy and presentation of accruals 
to be acceptable.

Valuation of 
the separately 
identifiable 
tradename 
intangible 
recognised 
as part of the 
DTLR Villa 
acquisition
Group 
(£101.6 million;  
2021: N/A)

Refer to page 111 
(Audit & Risk 
Committee 
Report), page 160 
(accounting policy) 
and page 161 
(financial 
disclosures).

Existence, 
accuracy and 
presentation 
of accruals
Group: £502.8m 
(FY21: £350.3m) 

Parent Company: 
£206.4m 
(FY21: £229.7m)

Refer to page 111 
(Audit & Risk 
Committee 
Report) and page 
195 (financial 
disclosures).

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JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022The risk

Our response

Completeness 
and presentation 
of provisions 
and contingent 
liabilities
Group: £33.1m 
(FY21: £5.8m) 

Parent Company: 
£19.8m (FY21: £Nil).

Refer to page 112 
(Audit & Risk 
Committee Report), 
page 199 (accounting 
policy) and page 199 
(financial disclosures).

Accounting treatment
Given the breadth of regulatory 
responsibilities imposed on the Group 
and Company, there is a risk in respect 
of non-compliance with such laws and 
regulations which could ultimately lead to 
financial penalties imposed on the Group 
and Company along with a risk of wider 
reputational consequence.

Completeness of the disclosed and identified 
breaches in laws and regulations by the Group 
and Company impacts the completeness of 
any provisions and/or contingent liabilities.

Determining the likelihood and magnitude of 
an unfavourable outcome in these matters 
involves significant management judgement.

As described above, we also assessed there 
to be an increased potential management 
override risk.

Completeness of provisions and their 
presentation is also an increased risk given 
historically there have been a number of 
balances recognised as accruals which 
have been reclassified as provisions in 
the current year.

Given the nature of the balance, we would expect to obtain audit 
evidence primarily through the detailed procedures detailed below 
rather than seeking to rely on any of the Group and Company’s 
controls. As a result of the increased risk identified, our substantive 
work described below was expanded, for example by increasing 
the items tested.

Our procedures included:
Personnel enquiries: on all significant matters subject to litigation/
adversarial proceedings, including regulatory matters, we discussed 
the status of those matters with internal counsel and external legal 
advisors and considered the documentation available to support 
the assessment as to whether the matter should be provided for 
as a provision or disclosed as a contingent liability;

Legal inquiries: we reviewed the legal expense account to identify 
any costs incurred with legal firms. We sought direct confirmations 
from management’s legal experts regarding the nature of any advice 
being provided to ensure completeness of the audit team’s understanding 
of potential provisions or contingent liabilities required;

Evaluating Directors’ intent: we reviewed board minutes for 
discussion of any legal or regulatory matters that may have been 
discussed by the Board but not already disclosed to us;

Extended scope: where provisions have been made for ongoing legal 
cases or regulatory matters and associated costs, we considered 
whether the provision is consistent with information received as part 
of inquiries with management’s experts and those inquiries held were 
also carried out independently from management;

Use of specialists: we involved our forensic specialists to shadow 
ongoing investigations in respect of certain regulatory matters 
relevant to the Group and Company;

Assessing transparency: we assessed the adequacy of the Group 
and Company’s classification and related disclosures in respect of 
provisions and contingent liabilities.

Our results
We consider the completeness and presentation of provisions and 
contingent liabilities to be acceptable.

Changes to key audit matters
Going concern
In the prior year, we reported a key audit matter in respect of going concern given the uncertainty that surrounded the retail 
industry due to COVID-19 and the possibility of future lockdowns. However, due to the country’s recovery from the pandemic 
we have not deemed this to be a key audit matter but it still remains an other focus area in the audit.

Inventory Valuation
The valuation of Group and Parent Company inventory was a significant risk and key audit matter in the prior period. However, 
following the COVID-19 pandemic the Group and Parent Company have experienced strong performance, including conversions 
to online sales, which has reduced the risk of obsolete inventory. Therefore this is not separately identified in our audit report this 
but still remains an other focus area in the audit.

Impairment of Intangibles
The valuation of the recoverable amount of the Go Outdoors and Footasylum CGUs was a significant risk in the prior period. 
However, due to the impairment charges booked by management with respect to these CGUs in the prior year we have not 
assessed this as one of our most significant risks in our current year audit and, therefore, it is not separately identified in our 
report this year.

Valuation of the Separately Identifiable Intangible Assets recognised as part of the Shoe Palace acquisition
The valuation of separately identifiable intangible assets recognised in the Shoe Palace acquisition is not a significant risk or a 
KAM in the current year. The risk in how its valued is an issue on recognition and after the initial year it is no longer a significant risk.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

3.  Our Application of Materiality and an Overview of the Scope of our Audit
Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £30m (2021: £16.5m), determined with reference to a 
benchmark of Group normalised profit before tax, normalised to exclude this year’s DTLR insurance settlement receivable of 
£16.6m and the movement in fair value of Genesis and ISRG put options of £290.3m as disclosed in Note 4 (2021: Normalised 
to exclude impairment of Go Outdoors of £33.3m, Footasylum impairment of £55.6m and movement in fair value of Sport Zone 
put options of £18.6m and by averaging over the last three years), of which it represents 3.2% (2021: 4.1%) in response to the 
matters set out in the Management override of controls KAM in section 2.

Materiality for the Parent Company financial statements as a whole was set at £11.5m (2021: £11.1m), determined with reference 
to a benchmark of Company’s PBT (2021: normalised by averaging over the last three years), of which it represents 3.5% 
(2021: 4.2%), in response to the matters set out in the Management override of controls KAM in Section 2.

In line with our audit methodology, our procedures on individual account balances and disclosures were performed to a lower 
threshold, performance materiality, so as to reduce to an acceptable level the risk that individually immaterial misstatements in 
individual account balances add up to a material amount across the financial statements as a whole.

Performance materiality was set at 50% (2021: 65%) of materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole, which equates 
to £15m (2021: £10.7m) and £5.8m (2021: £7.2m) for the Parent Company financial statements. We applied this percentage in 
our determination of performance materiality based on the level of identified misstatements and control deficiencies during 
the prior period. We have reduced this threshold to 50% from prior year to account for the increased risk in the wider control 
environment and Corporate Governance matters noted during the year.

We agreed to report to the Audit & Risk Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £0.9m 
(2021: £0.8m), in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

Of the Group’s 87 (2021: 79) reporting components, we subjected 9 (2021: 10) to full scope audits for group purposes and, 
3 (2021: 1) components to specified risk-focused audit procedures. We subjected 2 (2021: 1) components to specific risk-focused 
procedures over revenue, cash and journals (Focus and MIG (2021: Focus) and 1 (2021: 0) component to specific risk-focused 
procedures over revenue, cash, journals and inventory (France). 

Normalised group profit before tax
£928.4m (2021: £403.0m)

Group materiality
£30m (2021: £16.5m)

£30m
Whole financial statements materiality (2021: £16.5m)

£15m
Whole financial statements performance materiality (2021: £10.7m)

£20m
Range of materiality at 12 components (£20m to £1m) 
(2021: £13.2m to £2m)

£0.9m
Misstatements reported to the Audit & Risk Committee (2021: £0.8m)

Group revenue

Group absolute profit before tax

Group total assets

1.6%

7.1%

82.4%
(2021 84.3%)

88.6%
(2021 84.8%)

78.8%
(2021 89.3%)

82.7%

75.3%

84.8%

88.6%

89.3%

78.8%

Normalised PBT 

Group materiality

Full scope for group 
audit purposes 2022

Specified risk-focused
audit procedures 2022

Full scope for group
audit purposes 2021

Specified risk-focused
audit purposes 2021

Residual components

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the percentages illustrated above. The group team performed 
procedures on the items excluded from normalised Group profit before tax.

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JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
3.  Our Application of Materiality and an Overview of the Scope of our Audit (continued)
The remaining 17.6% (2021: 15.7%) of total Group revenue, 11.4% (2021: 13.4%) of the total profits and losses that made up Group 
profit before tax and 21.2% (2021: 9.7%) of total Group assets is represented by 75 (2021: 68) of reporting components, none of 
which individually represented more than 3% (2021: 3%) of any of total Group revenue, Group profit before tax or total Group 
assets. For these components, we performed analysis at an aggregated group level to re-examine our assessment that there 
were no significant risks of material misstatement within these.

The group team instructed component auditors as to the significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks detailed 
above and the information to be reported back. The group team approved the component materialities, which ranged from 
£20.0m to £1.0m (2021: £13.2m to £2.0m), having regard to the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components. 
The work on 6 of the 12 components (2021: 7 of the 11 components) was performed by component auditors and the rest, 
including the audit of the Parent Company, was performed by the group team.

The scope of the audit work performed was predominately substantive as we did not rely upon the Group’s internal control 
over financial reporting.

The group team visited 1 (2021: 0) component location in the United States to assess the audit risk and strategy. Further, the 
group team attended video and telephone conference meetings with 6 (2021: 6) component teams from Spain, Portugal, USA, 
France, Australia and Footasylum to assess the audit risk and strategy. At this visit and these meetings, the findings reported to 
the group team were discussed in more detail, and any further work required by the group team was then performed by the 
component auditor.

4.  The Impact of Climate Change on our Audit
In planning our audit, we have considered the potential impact of risks arising from climate change on the Group’s business and 
its financial statements.

Further information on the Group’s commitments is provided in the Group’s Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures 
(‘TCFD’) recommended disclosures on page 55.

As part of our audit we have performed a risk assessment, including making enquiries of management, reading board meeting 
minutes and applying our knowledge of the Group and sector in which it operates to understand the extent of the potential 
impact of climate change risk on the Group’s financial statements. Taking into account the nature of the business and the extent 
of the headroom in impairment testing, we have not assessed climate related risk to be significant to our audit this year. 
There was no impact on our key audit matters. 

We have read the Group’s TCFD in the front half of the Annual Report and considered consistency with the financial statements 
and our audit knowledge.

We have not been engaged to provide assurance over the accuracy of the climate risk disclosures set out on pages 55 to 59 in 
the Annual Report.

5.  Going Concern
The Directors have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Group 
or the Company or to cease their operations, and as they have concluded that the Group’s and the Company’s financial position 
means that this is realistic. They have also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant 
doubt over their ability to continue as a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements 
(‘the going concern period’).

We used our knowledge of the Group, its industry, and the general economic environment to identify the inherent risks to its 
business model and analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s and the Parent Company’s financial resources or ability 
to continue operations over the going concern period. The risks that we considered most likely to adversely affect the Group’s 
and the Parent Company’s available financial resources and metrics relevant to debt covenants over this period were:

 –  A material and unexpected reduction in demand due to future events such as a pandemic or economic downturn.
 –  Supply chain issues, a reduction in the allocation of stock or business interruption impacting the availability of stock from one 

of the Group’s key Sports Fashion suppliers.

We considered whether these risks could plausibly affect the liquidity or covenant compliance in the going concern period by 
assessing the Director’s sensitivities over the level of available financial resources and covenant thresholds indicated by the 
Group’s financial forecasts taking account of severe, but plausible adverse effects that could arise from these risks individually 
and collectively.

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Our procedures included:

 – Critically assessing assumptions in the base case and downside scenarios relevant to liquidity and covenant metrics, in particular 
by comparing to economic forecasts, approved budgets and our knowledge of the Group and the sector in which it operates;

 – Assessing whether downside scenarios applied mutually consistent and severe assumptions in aggregate, using our 

assessment of the possible range of each key assumption and our knowledge of inter-dependencies;

 –  We also compared past budgets to actual results to assess the Directors’ track record of budgeting accurately.

We also assessed the completeness of the going concern disclosure. Our conclusions based on this work are:

 –  we consider that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the Financial Statements 

is appropriate;

 –  we have not identified, and concur with the Directors’ assessment that there is not, a material uncertainty related to events 
or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s or the Parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern for the going concern period;

 –  we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement in Note 1 to the Financial 

Statements on the use of the going concern basis of accounting with no material uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt over the Group and the Parent Company’s use of that basis for the going concern period, and we found the going 
concern disclosure in Note 1 to be acceptable; and 

 – the related statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 33 is materially consistent with the Financial Statements 

and our audit knowledge.

However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are 
inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the above conclusions are not a guarantee 
that the Group or the Parent Company will continue in operation.

6.  Fraud and Breaches of Laws and Regulations – Ability to Detect
Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (‘fraud risks’) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an 
incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included:

 –   Enquiring of Directors, the Audit & Risk Committee and inspection of policy documentation as to the Group’s high-level 

policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud including the Group’s channel for “whistleblowing”, as well as whether 
they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud.

 – Reading Board and Audit & Risk Committee meeting minutes.
 – Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance targets for management and Directors including the profit 

target for management remuneration.

 – Using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.
 –  Involving our forensic specialists in our risk assessment and assisting us in identifying key fraud risks. This included attending 
the Risk Assessment and Planning Discussion, holding a discussion with the engagement partner and engagement quality 
control reviewer, and assisting with designing relevant audit procedures to respond to the identified fraud risks. They also 
attended meetings with both Executive and Non-Executive Directors and external advisors and assisted with certain 
procedures including shadowing investigations ongoing during the course of our audit.

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout 
the audit. This included communication from the group to full scope component audit teams of relevant fraud risks identified 
at the Group level and request to full scope component audit teams to report to the Group audit team any instances of fraud 
that could give rise to a material misstatement at the Group level.

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account the dominance of a small number of Executive Directors and 
the potential for management bias given the strong performance in the year, we performed procedures to address the risk 
of management override of controls and the risk of fraudulent revenue recognition, in particular the risk that Group and 
component management may be in a position to make inappropriate accounting entries.

We identified “Management override of controls” as a separate KAM this year (see section 2) as a result of the matters 
described in that KAM.

Further to this, we have identified additional fraud risks in relation to the existence, accuracy and presentation of accruals 
and the completeness and presentation of provisions and contingent liabilities. Further detail in respect of these areas is set 
out in the key audit matter disclosures in section 2 of this report.

In determining the audit procedures we took into account the results of our evaluation and testing of the operating effectiveness 
of the Group-wide fraud risk management controls, together with the matters described in the KAM regarding Management 
override of controls.

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JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Our work in respect of these matters is described in section 2.

We discussed with the Audit & Risk Committee other matters related to actual or suspected fraud, for which disclosure is not 
necessary, and considered any implications for our audit.

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements 
from our general commercial and sector experience and through discussion with the Directors and other management (as required 
by auditing standards), and from inspection of the Group’s regulatory and legal correspondence, and discussed with the Directors 
and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations.

As the Group is regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an understanding of the control environment including 
the entity’s procedures for complying with regulatory requirements.

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance 
throughout the audit. This included communication from the group to full- scope component audit teams of relevant laws and 
regulations identified at the Group level, and a request for full scope component auditors to report to the group team any 
instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that could give rise to a material misstatement at group.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting 
legislation (including related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation and taxation legislation, and we assessed 
the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a 
material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation 
or the loss of the Group’s license to operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: laws 
and regulations of various bodies that regulate the Group’s activities including the Competition and Market Authority (CMA), 
the Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) (in respect of the provision of consumer credit) and the Information Commissioners 
Office (‘ICO’). Further we identified the following areas of laws and regulations: health and safety laws, data protection laws, 
competition law, market abuse regulation, bribery and corruption requirements, advertising standards, employment law and 
certain aspects of company legislation recognising the regulated nature of the Group’s activities. Auditing standards limit the 
required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Directors and other 
management, and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Therefore if a breach of operational regulations 
is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.

Further detail in respect of our audit work over completeness and presentation of accruals and completeness and presentation 
of provisions and contingent liabilities is set out in the key audit matter disclosures in section 2 of this report.

For the matters described in the Audit & Risk Committee Report on page 108 to 110 and in Note 23 and 33, we assessed these 
disclosures against our understanding from legal correspondence and enquiry of the Group’s legal advisors on the matter and 
enquiry of the Directors.

We discussed with the Audit & Risk Committee the following matters related to actual or suspected breaches of laws or regulations 
and considered any implications for our audit. Our work in respect of these matters is described in section 2, together with 
inspection of correspondence with regulatory bodies and discussion with management’s advisors to each key matter:

1. 

 Known anticompetitive behaviour in relation to football club replica kit and the resulting CMA investigation as discussed 
in Note 23.

2.  Breach of the CMA’s hold separate order in respect of the Footasylum acquisition by the Group (see Note 3 and Note 32).

3. 

Lack of required declaration to the FCA under Principle 11 of the FCA Handbook (see Audit & Risk Committee Report page 109).

We also discussed with the Audit & Risk Committee other matters related to actual or suspected breaches of laws or 
regulations, for which disclosure is not necessary, and considered any implications for our audit.

139

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material 
misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance 
with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events 
and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing 
standards would identify it.

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect 
material misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect 
non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

7.  We Have Nothing to Report on the Other Information in the Annual Report
The Directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the financial statements. 
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit 
opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit 
work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. 
Based solely on that work we have not identified material misstatements in the other information.

Strategic report and Directors’ report
Based solely on our work on the other information:

 – we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the Directors’ report;
 – in our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year is consistent with the financial statements; and
 – in our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

Directors’ remuneration report
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 2006.

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ disclosures 
in respect of emerging and principal risks and the viability statement, and the financial statements and our audit knowledge.

Based on those procedures, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

 – the Directors’ confirmation within the Viability statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and 

principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity;

 – the Principal Risks disclosures describing these risks and how emerging risks are identified, and explaining how they are 

being managed and mitigated;

 – the Directors’ explanation in the Viability Statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period 
they have done so and why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the 
period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We are also required to review the Viability Statement, set out on page 33 under the Listing Rules. Based on the above procedures, 
we have concluded that the above disclosures are materially consistent with the financial statements and our audit knowledge.

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our financial statements 
audit. As we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent 
with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these statements is 
not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s longer-term viability.

Corporate governance disclosures
We are required to perform procedures to identify whether there is a material inconsistency between the Directors’ corporate 
governance disclosures and the financial statements and our audit knowledge.

Based on those procedures, we have concluded that each of the following is materially consistent with the financial statements 
and our audit knowledge:

 – the Directors’ statement that they consider that the annual report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced 
and understandable, and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy;

 – the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit & Risk Committee, including the significant issues that 
the Audit & Risk Committee considered in relation to the financial statements, and how these issues were addressed; and

140

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 – the section of the annual report that describes the review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management and internal 

control systems, 

We are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review.

We have nothing to report in this respect.

8.  We Have Nothing to Report on the Other Matters on Which We Are Required to Report by Exception
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 – adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us; or

 – the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 –  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
 –  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

We have nothing to report in these respects.

9.  Respective Responsibilities
Directors’ responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 131, the Directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial 
statements including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing 
the Group and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent 
Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue our opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but 
does not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

The Company is required to include these financial statements in an annual financial report prepared using the single electronic 
reporting format specifies in the TD ESEF Regulation. This auditor’s report provides no assurance over whether the annual 
financial report has been prepared in accordance with that format.

The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required 
to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Frances Simpson (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor

Chartered Accountants

1 St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 3AE

22 June 2022

141

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2022

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and distribution expenses

Administrative expenses – normal

Administrative expenses – exceptional

Administrative expenses – total

Sales commission

Other operating income

Operating profit before financing

Before exceptional items

Exceptional items

Financial income

Financial expenses

Net financial expense

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Attributable to equity holders of the parent

Attributable to non-controlling interest

Basic earnings per ordinary share*

Diluted earnings per ordinary share*

Note

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

8,563.0

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

6,167.3

(4,355.0)

(3,205.7)

4,208.0

(2,808.1)

(413.4)

(292.5)

(705.9)

10.6

16.6

721.2

1,013.7

(292.5)

1.4

(67.9)

(66.5)

654.7

(195.1)

459.6

369.7

89.9

7.17p

7.17p

2,961.6

(2,126.4)

(381.2)

(97.3)

(478.5)

15.2

13.1

385.0

482.3

(97.3)

1.5

(62.5)

(61.0)

324.0

(94.8)

229.2

224.3

4.9

4.61p

4.61p

4

4

7

8

3

9

26

10

10

*  Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share have been restated for year ended 30 January 2021 following a share sub-division in the year 

ended 29 January 2022. Further details can be found in Note 25.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2022

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income:

Items that may be classified subsequently to the Consolidated Income Statement:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total other comprehensive income for the period

Total comprehensive income and expense for the period (net of income tax)

Attributable to equity holders of the parent

Attributable to non-controlling interest

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

142

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

459.6

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

229.2

(34.9)

(34.9)

424.7

357.3

67.4

(20.0)

(20.0)

209.2

200.7

8.5

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 29 January 2022

Assets 
Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Right-of-use assets

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Other assets 

Forward contract asset

Deferred tax assets 

Total non-current assets 
Inventories 

Right of return assets

Trade and other receivables

Income tax receivables

Assets held-for-sale

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Lease liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Liabilities directly associated with assets held-for-sale

Provisions 

Income tax liabilities 

Total current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Lease liabilities 

Other payables 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Total assets less total liabilities 

Capital and reserves 
Issued ordinary share capital 

Share premium 

Retained earnings 

Other reserves 

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Non-controlling interest 

Total equity

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

As at 
29 January 
2022
 £m 

As at  
30 January  

2021
 £m 

Note

12

13

14

15

16

24

17

18

32

19

20

14

22

32

23

20

14

22

23

24

25

26

1,473.6

688.5

2,032.6

56.2

57.0

2.5

81.7

4,392.1

989.4

12.5

202.9

0.6

157.1

1,314.0

2,676.5

7,068.6

(72.6)

(379.0)

(1,279.5)

(142.6)

(13.2)

–

(1,886.9)

(55.5)

(1,863.9)

(775.4)

(19.9)

(127.4)

(2,842.1)

(4,729.0)

2,339.6

2.5

467.5

1,910.6

(454.6)

1,926.0

413.6

2,339.6

819.7

564.0

1,752.4

2.7

63.2

–

40.6

3,242.6

813.7

–

141.2

–

–

964.4

1,919.3

5,161.9

(120.9)

(301.8)

(1,102.0)

–

(0.7)

(29.5)

(1,554.9)

(48.1)

(1,628.0)

(374.4)

(5.1)

(55.0)

(2,110.6)

(3,665.5)

1,496.4

2.4

11.7

1,560.8

(336.2)

1,238.7

257.7

1,496.4

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 June 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:

N Greenhalgh
Director

Registered number: 1888425

143

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2022

Ordinary 
share 
capital
£m 

Share 
premium 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Other 
equity 
£m

Share-
based 
payment 
reserve
£m

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
£m

Total equity 
attributable 
to equity 
holders of 
the parent
£m

Non-
controlling 
interest 
£m

Total 
equity
£m

Balance at 1 February 2020 

2.4

11.7

1,245.7

(36.4)

Profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Exchange differences on 
translation of foreign operations 

Total other 
comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive 
income for the period 

Dividends to equity holders 

Put options held by non-
controlling interests 

Acquisition of  
non-controlling interest 

Divestment of  
non-controlling interest 

Non-controlling interest 
arising on acquisition 

Non-controlling interest 
share capital issued 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

224.3

–

–

224.3

–

–

(3.7)

94.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(272.0)

–

–

–

–

Balance at 30 January 2021 

2.4

11.7

1,560.8

(308.4)

Profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income: 

Exchange differences on 
translation of foreign operations 

Total other comprehensive 
income 

Total comprehensive 
income for the period 

Dividends to equity holders 

Put options held by  
non-controlling interests 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Share capital issued

0.1

455.8

Acquisition of  
non-controlling interest 

Divestment of  
non-controlling interest 

Non-controlling interest 
arising on acquisition 

Share-based payment charge

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

369.7

–

–

369.7

(14.9)

–

–

0.4

(5.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(106.1)

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 29 January 2022 

2.5

467.5

1,910.6

(414.5)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

0.1

144

(4.2)

1,219.2

70.0

1,289.2

–

224.3

4.9

229.2

(23.6)

(23.6)

3.6

(20.0)

(23.6)

(23.6)

3.6

(20.0)

(23.6)

200.7

8.5

(1.2)

209.2

(1.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(272.0)

–

(272.0)

(3.7)

(1.7)

(5.4)

94.5

181.4

275.9

–

–

0.4

0.3

0.4

0.3

(27.8)

1,238.7

257.7

1,496.4

–

369.7

89.9

459.6

(12.4)

(12.4)

(22.5)

(34.9)

(12.4)

(12.4)

(22.5)

(34.9)

(12.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

357.3

(14.9)

67.4

(1.8)

424.7

(16.7)

(106.1)

455.9

–

–

(106.1)

455.9

0.4

(0.5)

(0.1)

(5.4)

48.0

42.6

–

0.1

42.8

–

42.8

0.1

(40.2)

1,926.0

413.6

2,339.6

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2022

Cash flows from operating activities 

Profit for the period 

Income tax expense 

Financial expenses 

Financial income 

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets 

Forex (losses)/gains on monetary assets and liabilities 

Impairment of other intangibles and non-current assets (non-exceptional)

Loss on disposal of non-current assets 

Other exceptional items 

Impairment of goodwill and fascia names (exceptional) 

Impairment of non-current assets (exceptional)

Share of profit of equity-accounted investees, net of tax

(Increase)/decrease in inventories 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 

Increase in trade and other payables 

Interest paid 

Lease interest 

Income taxes paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Interest received 

Proceeds from sale of non-current assets 

Investment in software

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 

Acquisition of other non-current other assets

Acquisition of other intangibles

Draw down of finance lease liabilities

Dividends received from equity-accounted investees

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Repayment of interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Draw down of interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Repayment of finance lease liabilities

Repayment of lease liabilities 

Subsidiary shares issued in the period 

Proceeds received from issue of shares

Divestment of non-controlling interests 

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

Equity dividends paid 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 

Foreign exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

 Note 

9

8

7

3

3

3

3, 4

3, 4

15

8

8, 14

8

12

13

 16

12

30

30

14, 30

27

30

30

30

30

459.6

195.1

67.9

(1.4)

579.9

(2.1)

13.2

3.5

287.0

–

5.5

(3.2)

(31.8)

(69.3)

75.0

(8.4)

(59.5)

(244.1)

1,266.9

1.4

7.8

(14.9)

(227.3)

(5.7)

(5.2)

5.4

6.9

(616.5)

(848.1)

(513.3)

303.7

(6.1)

(350.1)

–

455.9

43.0

–

(14.9)

(1.8)

(83.6)

335.2

948.7

(3.5)

1,280.4

229.2

94.8

62.5

(1.5)

499.2

3.6

8.7

1.2

2.9

89.5

4.9

–

63.5

46.2

149.5

(7.6)

(54.9)

(130.4)

1,061.3

1.5

2.1

(19.1)

(105.2)

(3.9)

(3.8)

4.7

–

(206.3)

(330.0)

(391.5)

443.1

(3.4)

(285.2)

0.3

–

–

(5.2)

–

(1.2)

(243.1)

488.2

460.3

0.2

948.7

145

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Preparation

General Information
JD Sports Fashion Plc (the ‘Company’) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The financial 
statements for the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 represent those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together 
referred to as the ‘Group’). 

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 22 June 2022.

Basis of Preparation
These Group financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (‘IAS’) in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards.

The financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling, rounded to the nearest tenth of a million.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified for financial assets and 
liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through the Consolidated Income Statement and also put options 
held by the non-controlling interests.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods present in 
these financial statements and have been applied consistently by all Group entities.

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position 
are set out in the Interim Non-Executive Chair’s Statement and Business & Financial Review on pages 7 to 11 and 34 to 41 
respectively. In addition, details of financial instruments and exposures to interest rate, foreign currency, credit and liquidity 
risks are outlined in Note 21.

Going Concern
The global COVID-19 pandemic has presented a series of unprecedented challenges which have severely tested all aspects 
of our business including our multichannel capabilities, the robustness of our operational infrastructure and the resilience 
of our colleagues. Whilst COVID-19 has inevitably constrained our short-term progress, we firmly believe that we have a 
robust premium branded multichannel proposition with our loyal consumers comfortable engaging with us in any channel.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, which the Directors believe to be appropriate for the 
following reasons.

At 29 January 2022, the Group had net cash balances of £1,185.9 million (2021: £795.4 million) including loans of £128.1 million 
(2021: £169.0 million) with available committed UK borrowing facilities of £700 million (2021: £700 million) of which £nil 
(2021: £nil) has been drawn down (see Note 20) and US facilities of approximately $300 million of which $nil was drawn down 
(2021: $nil). These facilities are subject to certain covenants (see Note 20). With a UK facility of £700 million available up to 
6 November 2026 and a US facility of approximately $300 million available up until 24 September 2026, the Directors believe 
that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook. 
The Group had net cash of £946.1 million as at 30 May 2022.

The Directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for the Group covering a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval 
of these financial statements, which indicate that the Group will be able to operate within the level of its agreed facilities and 
covenant compliance. For the purposes of both Viability and Going Concern Reporting, the Directors have prepared severe 
but plausible downside scenarios which cover the same period as the base case, including specific consideration of a range 
of impacts that could arise from geopolitical tensions and the actual and potential impact on supply chains, inflationary cost 
pressures and business interruption impacting the availability of stock from the Group’s key Sports Fashion suppliers, as well as 
the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These scenarios included a two month store closure in Winter 2023/24 and a 
20% reduction in sales. As part of this analysis, mitigating actions within the Group’s control, should these severe but plausible 
scenarios occur, have also been considered. These forecast cash flows indicate that there remains sufficient headroom for the 
Group to operate within the committed facilities and to comply with all relevant banking covenants during the forecast period.

The Directors have considered all of the factors noted above, including the inherent uncertainty in forecasting the impact 
of the current geopolitical tensions and COVID-19 pandemic, and are confident that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue to meet all liabilities as and when they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these 
financial statements. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Basis of Consolidation
I. Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

146

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20221. Basis of Preparation (continued)

Basis of Consolidation (continued)
I. Subsidiaries (continued)
The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control 
commences until the date that control ceases. Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are 
identified separately from the equity attributable to holders of the parent. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of 
those interests at the date that control commences and the attributable share of changes in equity subsequent to that date.

II. Associates and Joint Ventures
The Group’s interests in equity-accounted investees comprise interests in associates and interests in joint ventures. 
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over the financial 
and operating policies. A joint venture is an arrangement in which the Group has joint control over the financial and operating 
policies based on a contractual arrangement. 

Interests in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognised at cost. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, the consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of the profit or loss and 
other comprehensive income of equity-accounted investees, until the date on which significant influence or joint control ceases.

III. Transactions Eliminated on Consolidation
Intra-group balances, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Changes in Ownership Interest Without a Loss of Control
In accordance with IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’, upon a change in ownership interest in a subsidiary without 
a loss of control, the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes 
in their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are 
adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners 
of the parent. Acquisitions or disposals of non-controlling interests are therefore accounted for as transactions with owners 
in their capacity as owners and no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. Associated transaction costs are 
accounted for within equity.

Alternative Performance Measures
The Directors measure the performance of the Group based on a range of financial measures, including measures not 
recognised by International Accounting Standards (‘IAS’) in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 
and in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. These alternative performance measures may not 
be directly comparable with other companies’ alternative performance measures and the Directors do not intend these to 
be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures. The Directors believe that these alternative performance measures assist 
in providing additional useful information on the trading performance of the Group.

Alternative Performance Measures are also used to enhance the comparability of information between reporting periods, by 
adjusting for exceptional items. Exceptional items are disclosed separately when they are considered unusual in nature and 
not reflective of the trading performance and profitability of the Group. The separate reporting of exceptional items, which 
are presented as exceptional within the relevant category in the Consolidated Income Statement, helps provide an indication 
of the Group’s trading performance. An explanation as to why items have been classified as Exceptional is given in Note 4.

Further information can be found in the Alternative Performance Measures section on page 42.

Adoption of New and Revised Standards
The following amendments to accounting standards and interpretations, issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (‘IASB’), have been adopted for the first time by the Group in the period with no significant impact on the consolidated 
results or financial position:

 – Amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’.
 – Amendments to IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’.
 – Amendments to IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’.
 – Amendments to IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’ – Configuration of Customisation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.
 – Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 – amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16.
 – Annual Improvements – Cycle 2018–2020.

Other
The Group continues to monitor the potential impact of other new standards and interpretations which may be endorsed and 
require adoption by the Group in future reporting periods. The Group does not consider that any other standards, amendments 
or interpretations issued by the IASB, but not yet applicable, will have a significant impact on the financial statements.

147

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

1. Basis of Preparation (continued)

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with adopted IFRSs requires management to make judgements, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income 
and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors 
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements 
about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ 
from these estimates. The estimates and judgements disclosed below are those which have a significant risk of causing 
a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities. All other accounting estimates and judgements 
are disclosed within the relevant accounting policy in the notes to the financial statements.

Changes to Critical Accounting Estimates
Determination of the Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities on Acquisition
Included within critical accounting policies in the current year is the valuation of the intangible assets recognised as part 
of the acquisition of DTLR Villa LLC (‘DTLR’) (see Note 11). The estimates used in the valuation of the intangible assets 
are considered to have a significant risk of causing a material misstatement; specifically the estimation of future cash 
flows, the useful economic life of the asset, the selection of suitable royalty relief rates and the selection of a suitable 
discount rate. The key assumption used by management in the valuation of the fascia name was the royalty rate. The  
royalty rate assumption used in the valuation was estimated based on published comparable licence fees in the sports 
fashion market and a calculation of the expected return on assets of the DTLR business. If the royalty rate used in the 
valuation was 1% higher or lower, this would lead to a change in the fascia name valuation of plus or minus £25.4 million. 
1% was determined to be a reasonable royalty rate sensitivity by comparing the royalty rate used with publicly disclosed 
licensing transactions related to the retail of sportswear and footwear.

Changes to Critical Accounting Judgements
Provisions and Contingent Liabilities
The activities of the Group are overseen by a number of regulators around the world and, whilst the Group strives to ensure 
full compliance with all its regulatory obligations, periodic reviews are inevitable which may result in a financial penalty. If  
the risk of a financial penalty arising from one of these reviews is more than remote but not probable or cannot be measured 
reliably then the Group will disclose this matter as a contingent liability. If the risk of a financial penalty is considered probable 
and can be measured reliably then the Group would make a provision for this matter. 

Critical Accounting Estimates
Put Options (Genesis Topco Inc put option £520.3 million)
Put options are in place over all or part of the remaining non-controlling interest shareholding in various subsidiaries and 
these options are required to be fair valued at each accounting period date. Put options held by non-controlling interests 
are accounted for using the present access method. The present value of the non-controlling interests’ put options is 
estimated using Board approved forecasts multiplied by an earnings multiple. The option formula and multiple are usually 
stated in the put option agreement; however, in the absence of a specified formula or multiple, we would estimate this based 
on current evidence in the Mergers & Acquisitions market and our past experience of multiples paid for similar businesses. 

These forecast cash flows are discounted using a discount rate reflecting the current market assessment of the time value 
of money and any specific risk premiums relevant to the individual businesses involved. These discount rates are considered 
to be equivalent to the rates a market participant would use. Sensitivity analysis has been performed over the key variable 
inputs to the valuation of the significant put options, being the discount rate and the approved forecasts, and this has been 
disclosed in Note 22 on page 196.

Other Accounting Judgements
Footasylum Disposal
This judgement has been revised due to changes during the financial period. On 4 November 2021, the final ruling from 
the CMA was that it had again prohibited the Group’s acquisition of Footasylum. The final CMA undertakings were issued 
on 14 January 2022, which was effectively the start date for the Footasylum sale process. Footasylum has been presented 
as held-for-sale at 29 January 2022 and full details are provided in Note 32.

Other Accounting Estimates
Impairment of Goodwill (carrying value of the Shoe Palace CGU £546.7 million)
Goodwill arising on acquisition is allocated to groups of cash-generating units (‘Group CGUs’), that are expected to benefit 
from the synergies of the business combination from which goodwill arose, being portfolios of stores or individual businesses. 
The cash-generating units used to monitor goodwill and test it for impairment are therefore the store portfolios and individual 
businesses rather than individual stores, as the cash flows of individual stores are not considered to be independent. These  
cash-generating units are referred to throughout the Annual Report as Group CGUs. The recoverable amounts of these Group 
CGUs are determined based on value-in-use calculations. 

148

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20221. Basis of Preparation (continued)

Other Accounting Estimates (continued)
Impairment of Goodwill (carrying value of the Shoe Palace CGU £546.7 million) (continued)
The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing operation of the 
Group CGU and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. See Note 12 for further disclosure 
on impairment of goodwill and review of the key assumptions used.

Impairment of Other Intangible Assets with Definite Lives (carrying value of the Go Outdoors CGU £77.0 million and the 
Shoe Palace CGU £546.7 million)
The Group is required to assess whether there is an indication that other intangible assets with a definite useful economic 
life have suffered any impairment. The recoverable amount of brand names is based on an estimation of future sales and 
the choice of a suitable royalty and discount rate in order to calculate the present value, when this method is deemed the 
most appropriate. The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing 
operation of the asset over its useful economic life and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present 
value. Impairment losses are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. Note 12 provides further disclosure on 
impairment of other intangible assets with definite lives, including a review of the key assumptions used.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable 
for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of price discounts and sales related taxes.

Goods Sold Through Retail Stores and Trading Websites
In the case of goods sold through the retail stores and trading websites, revenue is recognised when goods are sold and the 
title has passed, less provision for returns. A separate right of return asset is recognised on the face of the Statement of 
Financial Position which represents the right to recover product from the customer. Accumulated experience is used to 
estimate and provide for such returns at the time of the sale. The refund liability due to customers on return of their goods 
was recognised within accruals in the prior year and has been reclassified to a separate refund liability category in the current 
year. Retail sales are usually in cash, by debit card or by credit card. 

 – For online sales, title is deemed to have passed when the goods are delivered to the customer.
 – For online sales and click and collect orders, where the customer pays online but collects in store, title is deemed to have 

passed when the goods are collected by the customer.

 – For reserve and collect, where the customer reserves online but pays at the point of collection from the store, the title 

is deemed to have passed when the goods are collected by the customer. 

Wholesale Revenue
Wholesale revenue is recognised when goods are dispatched and the title and control over a product have passed to 
the customer. In some instances, goods are sold with a right of return. Where wholesale goods are sold with a right of 
return, a provision is made to estimate the expected level of returns based on accumulated experience and historical 
rates. A separate right of return asset is recognised on the face of the Statement of Financial Position which represents 
the right to recover product from the customer. The provision for returns was included within accruals in the prior year 
and has been reclassified to a separate refund liability category in the current year. Wholesale sales are either settled by 
cash received in advance of the goods being dispatched or made on agreed credit terms.

Gym Membership Revenue
Revenue from the sale of fitness club memberships is recognised in the period the membership relates to. Where there are 
specific obligations attached to joining fees, the income related to this is recognised in the period in which membership 
commences since the performance obligation attached to that income is satisfied in that period. Where there are no specific 
performance obligations attached to joining fees, these are recognised over time, on a straight-line basis over the expected 
duration of the membership. For new club openings, memberships are sold and joining fees are collected in the period before 
the new club is opened. Membership income received in advance of the club opening is deferred until the club is open and 
then recognised on an accruals basis over the related membership period. 

Discount Card Revenue
Income from the sale of annual discount cards is accounted for on a systematic basis over the 12 month life of the card which 
best matches the profile of the spend on these cards.

Gift Cards
The initial sale of a gift card is treated as an exchange of tender with the revenue recognised when the cards are redeemed 
by the customer. Revenue from gift card breakage is recognised when the likelihood of the customer utilising the gift card 
becomes remote. 

149

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

1. Basis of Preparation (continued)

Other Accounting Policies
Sales Commission
Sales commission is presented separately in the Consolidated Income Statement and is received in relation to products 
advertised on Group trading websites where the goods are delivered to the customer directly by the third-party supplier.

Provisions to Write Inventories Down to Net Realisable Value
The Group makes provisions for obsolescence, mark downs and shrinkage based on historical experience, the quality of 
the current season buy, market trends and management estimates of future events. The provision requires estimates for 
shrinkage, the expected future selling price of items and identification of aged and obsolete items.

Government Support
Government support is recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements when it can be reliably measured, which the 
Group considers to be on receipt. In accordance with IAS 20 ‘Government Grants’, furlough income received by the Group’s 
UK subsidiaries of £24.4 million (2021: £61.6 million) and £7.5 million received by the Group’s international subsidiaries 
(2021: £24.5 million) has been shown as a deduction from employed staff costs. Further, £31.0 million (2021: £58.8 million) 
of rates relief received by the Group’s UK subsidiaries has been shown as a deduction from selling and distribution costs. 
After the financial period end, the Group repaid the £24.4 million of furlough income that it received from the UK Government 
in the year ended 29 January 2022. The repayment was accrued for as at 29 January 2022 and is shown as an expense within 
employed staff costs. 

Valuation of Rolling Leases
In initially applying IFRS 16 ‘Leases’, the Group has applied judgement to determine the lease term for certain lease contracts 
in which the Group is a lessee that either have no specified end date, or where the Group continues to occupy the property 
despite the contractual lease end date having passed. In determining the lease term, the Group takes into consideration its 
commercial strategy on a store by store basis and the future intentions of the Group regarding the duration of continuing 
occupation of the property. For lease contracts falling into these parameters, the associated lease liability is calculated at 
the present value of the minimum lease payments over the estimated lease term, discounted at the Group’s incremental 
cost of borrowing. A corresponding right-of-use asset is also recognised.

Share-Based Payments
The Executive Directors receive an element of remuneration in the form of share-based payments. Share-based payments 
are measured at fair value at the grant date which is determined by the share price on that date. The cost of share-based 
payments is recognised as an expense, together with a corresponding increase in equity, on a straight-line basis over the 
vesting period of the awards. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the 
related service and non-market performance conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognised 
is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date. 
Further information is available in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 125 and Note 5.

Supplier Rebates
Supplier rebates such as volume-related rebates, promotional cost contributions and defective allowances are recognised 
in the Consolidated Financial Statements when they are contractually agreed with the supplier and can be reliably measured, 
which the Group considers to be on receipt. Contributions towards store fixtures are recognised by way of a reduction in the 
related capital expenditure. All significant rebates are agreed with suppliers retrospectively and after the end of the relevant 
supplier’s financial year. An element of volume-related supplier rebates is deferred and recognised within inventory and 
released on a straight-line basis over the six-month period following the financial year end as the related inventory is sold.

2. Segmental Analysis 

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ requires the Group’s segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about 
components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker to allocate resources to 
the segments and to assess their performance. The Chief Operating Decision Maker is considered to be the Executive Chair 
of JD Sports Fashion Plc.

Information reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker is focused on the nature of the businesses within the Group. 
The Group’s operating and reportable segments under IFRS 8 are Sports Fashion and Outdoor. In accordance with IFRS 8.12, 
we have aggregated several operating segments with similar economic characteristics into a larger Sports Fashion operating 
segment and concluded that, in doing so, the aggregation is still consistent with the core principles of IFRS 8.

When aggregating the operating segments into the larger Sports Fashion operating segment, we have primarily taken 
into consideration:

 – IFRS 8.12.a the nature of products or services; 
 – IFRS 8.12.c type or class of customer; and 
 – IFRS 8.12.d the methods used to distribute their products. 

150

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20222. Segmental Analysis (continued) 

The entities included in the Sports Fashion operating segment have similar characteristics as well-established, leading 
retailers or wholesalers of footwear, apparel and accessories from a mix of international sports fashion brands and 
private labels. When determining what to include within the Sports Fashion segment, we have considered that the 
fascias all target a similar demographic in terms of both age range and an aspiration to achieve a certain style, whether 
the product is to be used for lifestyle wear or active sports participation. The entities typically have similar economic 
characteristics in terms of sales metrics, long-term average gross margins, levels of capital investment and operating cash 
flows. The Outdoor segment differs from the Sports Fashion segment in that Outdoor is focused on retailing specialist 
apparel, footwear and technical products for outdoor pursuits. Further, the Outdoor segment typically appeals to an older 
and/or family-oriented demographic as compared with the younger and more style-focused demographic targeted by 
the Sports Fashion businesses.

The Chief Operating Decision Maker receives and reviews segmental operating profit. Certain central administrative costs 
including Group Directors’ salaries are included within the Group’s Sports Fashion result. This is consistent with the results 
as reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker.

IFRS 8 requires disclosure of information regarding revenue from major customers. The majority of the Group’s revenue is 
derived from the retail of a wide range of apparel, footwear and accessories to the general public. As such, the disclosure 
of revenues from major customers is not appropriate.

The Board considers that certain items are cross-divisional in nature and cannot be allocated between the segments on 
a meaningful basis. Certain net funding costs and taxation are treated as unallocated, reflecting the nature of the Group’s 
syndicated borrowing facilities and its tax group. A deferred tax asset of £81.7 million (2021: £40.6 million), a deferred tax 
liability of £127.4 million (2021: £55.0 million) and an income tax receivable of £0.6 million (2021: liability of £29.5 million) 
are included within the unallocated segment. 

Each segment is shown net of intercompany transactions and balances within that segment. The eliminations remove 
intercompany transactions and balances between different segments which primarily relate to the net draw down of  
long-term loans and short-term working capital funding provided by JD Sports Fashion Plc (within Sports Fashion) 
to other companies in the Group, and intercompany trading between companies in different segments. Inter-segment 
transactions are undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arm’s length terms. 

Information regarding the Group’s reportable operating segments for the 52 weeks to 29 January 2022 is shown below:

Income statement

Gross revenue

Inter-segment revenue

Revenue

Gross profit % 

Operating profit before exceptional items

Exceptional items

Operating profit

Financial income

Financial expenses

Profit/(loss) before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Total assets and liabilities

Total assets

Total liabilities

Total segment net assets/(liabilities)

Sports Fashion 
£m 

Outdoor 
£m

Unallocated 
£m

8,049.7

(0.1)

8,049.6

49.5%

985.5

(292.5)

693.0

–

(57.2)

635.8

513.3

0.1

513.4

43.9%

28.2

–

28.2

–

(2.3)

25.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.4

(8.4)

(7.0)

Sports Fashion 
£m 

Outdoor 
£m

Unallocated 
£m

Eliminations 
£m

Total 
£m 

8,563.0

–

8,563.0

49.1%

1,013.7

(292.5)

721.2

1.4

(67.9)

654.7

(195.1)

459.6

Total 
£m 

6,681.4

(4,390.4)

2,291.0

420.9

(327.2)

93.7

82.3

(127.4)

(45.1)

(116.0)

116.0

7,068.6

(4,729.0)

–

2,339.6

151

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022The comparative segmental results for the 52 weeks to 30 January 2021 are shown below:

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

2. Segmental Analysis (continued) 

Other segment information

Capital expenditure:

Software development

Brand licences

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Non-current other assets 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments: 

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of non-current other assets

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Impairment of non-current assets (exceptional items)

Impairment of non-current assets (non-exceptional items)

Income statement

Gross revenue

Inter-segment revenue

Revenue

Gross profit % 

Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items

Exceptional items

Operating profit/(loss)

Financial income

Financial expenses

Profit/(loss) before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Total assets and liabilities

Total assets

Total liabilities

Total segment net assets/(liabilities)

Other segment information

Capital expenditure: 

Software development 

Property, plant and equipment 

Right-of-use assets

Non-current other assets 

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments: 

Amortisation of intangible assets

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Depreciation of right-of-use assets 

Impairment of goodwill and fascia names (exceptional items) 

Impairment of non-current assets (exceptional items) 

Impairment of non-current assets (non-exceptional items) 

152

Sports Fashion 
£m 

Outdoor 
£m

Total 
£m 

14.9

5.2

221.8

467.6

5.7

59.4

149.3

0.1

341.6

5.5

12.0

–

–

5.5

54.4

–

4.0

8.9

–

16.6

–

1.2

14.9

5.2

227.3

522.0

5.7

63.4

158.2

0.1

358.2

5.5

13.2

Total 
£m 

6,167.3

–

6,167.3

48.0%

482.3

(97.3)

385.0

1.5

(62.5)

324.0

(94.8)

229.2

Sports Fashion 
£m 

Outdoor 
£m

Unallocated 
£m

5,808.2

(0.2)

5,808.0

48.4%

484.7

(76.9)

407.8

–

(51.2)

356.6

359.1

0.2

359.3

42.2%

(2.4)

(20.4)

(22.8)

–

(3.7)

(26.5)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.5

(7.6)

(6.1)

Sports Fashion 
£m 

Outdoor 
£m

Unallocated 
£m

Eliminations 
£m

4,940.2

(3,420.3)

1,519.9

293.2

(272.8)

20.4

40.6

(84.5)

(43.9)

(112.1)

112.1

–

Total 
£m 

5,161.9

(3,665.5)

1,496.4

Sports Fashion 
£m 

Outdoor 
£m

Total 
£m 

19.1

102.1

168.3

7.7

36.4

125.4

301.5

56.2

–

7.3

–

3.1

46.6

–

4.6

11.4

19.9

33.3

4.9

1.4

19.1

105.2

214.9

7.7

41.0

136.8

321.4

89.5

4.9

8.7

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20222. Segmental Analysis (continued)

Geographical Information
The Group’s operations are located in the UK, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, 
Denmark, Dubai, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, 
Lithuania, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland (‘ROI’), Romania, Singapore, 
Slovakia, South Korea, Spain and the Canary Islands, Sweden, Thailand and the US.

The following table provides analysis of the Group’s revenue by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the 
goods/services:

Revenue

UK & ROI

Europe 

North America 

Rest of world 

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

3,578.5

2,046.7

2,609.2

328.6

8,563.0

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

2,527.0

1,579.4

1,780.5

280.4

6,167.3

The revenue from any individual country, with the exception of the UK and US, is not more than 10% of the Group’s total revenue.

Revenue by channel

Revenue

Retail stores

Multichannel 

Other 

Revenue by product type

Revenue

Footwear

Apparel

Accessories

Other

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

5,668.5

2,623.1

271.4

8,563.0

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

4,590.4

3,199.9

540.6

232.1

8,563.0

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

3,524.9

2,465.2

177.2

6,167.3

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

3,499.8

2,200.5

326.0

141.0

6,167.3

The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of segmental non-current assets by the geographical area in which the 
assets are located. Taxation is treated as unallocated, reflecting the nature of the Group’s tax group.

Non-current assets

UK & ROI

Europe 

North America 

Rest of world 

Unallocated 

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

1,217.4

1,329.7

1,607.8

155.5

81.7

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

1,011.0

1,003.4

1,078.6

109.0

40.6

4,392.1

3,242.6

153

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

3. Profit Before Tax

Profit before tax is stated after charging: 

Auditor's remuneration: 

Audit of these financial statements (KPMG LLP) 

Amounts receivable by the Company's Auditor (KPMG LLP) and its associates in respect of: 

Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries of the Company 

Interim review 

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets: 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Depreciation of right-of-use asset

Amortisation of intangible assets

Amortisation of non-current other assets – owned

Impairments of non-current assets: 

Property, plant and equipment (exceptional)

Property, plant and equipment (non-exceptional)

Right-of-use asset (non-exceptional)

Goodwill and fascia names (exceptional)

Goodwill and fascia names (non-exceptional)

Other intangible assets (non-exceptional)

Other non-current assets (exceptional)

Loss on disposal of non-current assets 

Rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases for: 

Land and buildings – variable lease payments 

Land and buildings – short-term and low-value leases

Plant and equipment – short-term and low-value leases 

Movement in the fair value of forward contracts 

Provision related to ongoing CMA investigation into the sale of the Rangers FC branded replica 
football shirts (see Note 23)

The penalty decision issued by the CMA in relation to a breach of the Interim Order imposed as 
part of the CMA’s review of the Group’s acquisition of Footasylum Ltd

Profit before tax is stated after crediting: 

Sales commission received 

Other operating income 

Movement in the fair value of forward contracts 

Foreign exchange gain recognised 

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

2.2

2.1

0.1

158.2

358.2

63.4

0.1

2.5

4.8

3.1

–

2.4

2.9

3.0

3.5

86.6

5.2

4.3

–

2.0

4.7

10.6

16.6

37.0

11.6

0.4

1.5

0.1

136.8

321.4

41.0

–

4.9

5.2

3.4

89.5

–

0.1

–

1.2

37.9

3.4

0.5

31.5

–

–

15.2

13.1

–

18.5

The auditor’s remuneration in respect of the 2021/22 financial statements includes £1.6 million for the additional work 
performed in relation to the matters outlined in the Audit & Risk Committee report commencing on page 108. Fees of 
£0.1 million (2021: £0.1 million) were incurred and paid to KPMG LLP by Pentland Group Limited in relation to the non-
coterminous audit of the Group for the purpose of inclusion in its consolidated financial statements for the 12 month  
period to December 2021. In addition, fees of £10,000 were incurred and paid to KPMG LLP for non-audit services in 
relation to certification of turnover for the Group’s Australian subsidiary, JD Sports Fashion Aus Pty.

Other non-current assets comprise key money and store deposits associated with the acquisition of leasehold interests 
(see Note 16).

Since transition to IFRS 16 on 2 February 2019, only lease rentals in relation to variable lease payments, low value assets or 
short-term leases have been charged to the Income Statement. The variable lease payments shown above relate to turnover 
rents which are impacted by changes in sales at certain stores where the lease includes an element of turnover rent.

154

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20224. Exceptional Items

The Group exercises judgement in assessing whether items should be classified as exceptional. This assessment covers the 
nature of the item, cause of occurrence and scale of impact of that item on the reported performance. In determining whether 
an item should be presented as exceptional, the Group considers items which are significant because of either their size or 
their nature, and which are non-recurring. In order for an item to be presented as exceptional, it should typically meet at least 
one of the following criteria: 

 – It is a significant item, which may cross more than one accounting period. 
 – It has been directly incurred as a result of either an acquisition or a divestment, or arises from a major business change 

or restructuring programme. 

 – It is unusual in nature or outside the normal course of business.

The separate reporting of items, which are presented as exceptional within the relevant category in the Consolidated Income 
Statement, helps provide an indication of the Group’s trading performance in the normal course of business.

Movement in fair value of put options(1)

Insurance settlement for DTLR(2)

Restructuring of Spodis SA(3)

Impairment of goodwill and fascia names(4)

Restructuring of Go Outdoors(5)

Administrative expenses – exceptional 

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

292.7

(16.6)

16.4

–

–

292.5

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

20.7

–

–

56.2

20.4

97.3

(1)  Movement in the fair value of the liabilities in respect of the put options as re-measured at each reporting date (see Note 22) (Genesis Topco 

Inc: charge of £258.7 million, Iberian Sports Retail Group: charge of £31.6 million, Marketing Investment Group S.A: charge of £1.7 million, Other: 
charge of £0.7 million). The increase in the fair value of the put options attributable to Genesis Topco Inc. includes £71.0 million consequent to 
the transfer of DTLR into the Genesis sub-group. The movement in the fair value of the put option liabilities is presented as exceptional as it is a 
significant item that is outside of the normal course of business.

(2)  Insurance settlement proceeds related to a pre-acquisition claim for business interruption by DTLR Villa LLC. As the claim was a contingent 
asset at the date of acquisition, this was not recognised in the assets acquired in the fair value table in Note 11. These insurance proceeds are 
presented as exceptional as they are unusual in nature and are outside of the normal course of business.

(3)  The impact consequent to the restructuring of Spodis SA in the period, including a charge of £5.5 million in relation to the impairment of 
tangible assets and business restructuring costs of £10.9 million. This item is presented as exceptional as it related to a non-recurring 
restructuring project.

(4)  The impairment in the prior period primarily relates to the impairment of goodwill and fascia name arising in prior years on the acquisition of 

Footasylum (£55.6 million). The impairment is presented as exceptional as it is a significant item that is outside of the normal course of business.

(5)  The net impact consequent to the restructuring of Go Outdoors in the prior period, including a charge of £33.3 million in relation to the 

impairment of intangible assets, a charge of £4.9 million in relation to the impairment of leasehold improvements and a credit of £17.8 million in 
relation to the extinguishment of lease commitments. This item is presented as exceptional as it related to a non-recurring restructuring project.

5. Remuneration of Directors

The Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy, approved at the Annual General Meeting on 1 July 2021, states that the Long-
term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) awards will be a hybrid of cash and share awards. On 20 October 2021, the Executive Directors 
were granted awards under the JD Sports Fashion Plc LTIP 2021 as follows:

Executive Director

Peter Cowgill

Neil Greenhalgh 

No of shares 
granted

Share price at 
the grant date 
(p)

409,275

53,225

210.8

210.8

These options will vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. The total expense recognised in the period arising from 
equity-settled share-based payment transactions was £0.1 million.

On 20 October 2021, Peter Cowgill was granted 81,855 shares and Neil Greenhalgh was granted 10,645 shares. The number 
of shares disclosed in the table above have been restated to reflect the 5:1 share sub-division effective 30 November 2021. 
Following his departure, as announced on 25 May 2022, the LTIP award for Peter Cowgill lapsed on cessation in accordance 
with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

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5. Remuneration of Directors (continued)

The remuneration of the Executive Directors also includes provision for future LTIP cash payments of £0.6 million 
(2021: £0.3 million). 

Further information on Directors’ emoluments is shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 114 to 130.

In the opinion of the Board, the key management as defined under revised IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ are the Executive 
and Non-Executive Directors. Page 96 of the Directors’ Report provides the details of the Directors who served during the 
financial year. During the year there was one (2021: one) Director within the defined contribution pension scheme. Full disclosure 
of the Directors’ remuneration is given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 114 to 130.

Directors' emoluments: 

As Non-Executive Directors 

As Executive Directors

Pension contributions 

6. Staff Numbers and Costs

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

0.2

3.8

–

4.0

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

0.2

5.9

–

6.1

The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the period, analysed by category, 
was as follows:

Sales and distribution

Administration

Total average staff employed

Full-time equivalents

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Pension costs 

Other employed staff costs 

2022

65,127

2,704

67,831

2021

52,234

2,151

54,385

44,488

37,297

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

1,007.8

107.6

16.8

9.8

1,142.0

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

682.8

79.8

14.7

8.6

785.9

156

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 20227. Financial Income 

Financial income comprises interest receivable on funds invested. Financial income is recognised in the Consolidated Income 
Statement on an effective interest method.

Financial income

Bank interest

8. Financial Expenses

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

1.4

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

1.5

Financial expenses comprise interest payable on interest-bearing loans and borrowings. Financial expenses are recognised in 
the Consolidated Income Statement on an effective interest method.

On bank loans and overdrafts 

Amortisation of facility fees 

Lease interest

Other interest 

Financial expenses 

9. Income Tax Expense

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

5.6

1.4

59.5

1.4

67.9

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

5.7

1.5

54.9

0.4

62.5

Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax.

Current Income Tax 
Current income tax expense is calculated using the tax rates which have been enacted or substantively enacted by the 
reporting date, adjusted for any tax paid in respect of prior years.

Deferred Tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for 
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not 
provided for:

 – Goodwill not deductible for tax purposes.
 – The initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit.
 – Differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets 
and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against 
which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related 
tax benefit will be realised.

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9. Income Tax Expense (continued)

Current tax 

UK corporation tax at 19.0% (2021: 19.0%) 

Adjustment relating to prior periods 

Total current tax charge 

Deferred tax 

Deferred tax (origination and reversal of temporary differences) 

Adjustment relating to prior periods 

Total deferred tax credit 

Income tax expense 

Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax 19.0% (2021: 19.0%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible 

Put option movement not deductible(1)

Depreciation and impairment of non-qualifying non-current assets 
(including brand names arising on consolidation)

Non-taxable income

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions(2)

Research and development tax credits and other allowances

Recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses

Change in tax rate(3)

Non-qualifying impairment of goodwill on consolidation

Change in unrecognised temporary differences

Over-provided in prior periods(4)

Other taxes due(5)

Income tax expense

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

220.0

(7.3)

212.7

(12.9)

(4.7)

(17.6)

195.1

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

124.4

5.3

55.7

2.9

(1.1)

10.5

(3.2)

(7.1)

(4.4)

0.4

5.9

(12.0)

17.8

195.1

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

129.8

(3.6)

126.2

(28.0)

(3.4)

(31.4)

94.8

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

61.6 

7.0 

3.9

8.6 

(0.5)

6.8 

(0.3)

–

0.5 

–

5.6 

(7.0)

8.6 

94.8 

(1)  The movement in the put options per Note 22 is non-deductible for corporate tax.
(2)  The growing proportion of overseas profits, predominantly in the US, arise in jurisdictions with a higher tax rate than the UK mainstream 

corporation rate of 19%, thereby driving an adjusting item. 

(3)  The movement reflects the change in the UK deferred tax rate from an opening rate of 19% to a closing rate of 25%.
(4)  Prior year adjustments represent UK R&D claims (0.3%), trading loss claims (0.3%) and other movements arising on the finalisation of the 

corporation tax returns (0.4%) in conjunction with changes to the US opening deferred tax position (0.4%).

(5)  Other taxes due are primarily in respect of US state taxes but also include other taxes payable in overseas jurisdictions.

158

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202210. Earnings Per Ordinary Share

Basic and Adjusted Earnings Per Ordinary Share
On 3 February 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc completed the placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. 
A total of 58,393,989 new ordinary shares were issued, increasing the total ordinary shares in issue to 1,031,627,149. 
The shares were placed at an issue price of 795 pence per share with a par value of 25 pence leading to share capital 
of £0.1 million and share premium of £455.8 million being recognised on issue (this is net of £8.3 million of costs incurred).

Following an ordinary resolution on 30 November 2021, a share split occurred whereby five ordinary shares were issued 
for each ordinary share. In accordance with IAS 33, the number of shares outstanding before the event has been adjusted 
for the proportionate change as if the event had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

The calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share at 29 January 2022 is based on the profit for the period attributable 
to equity holders of the parent of £369.7 million (2021: £224.3 million) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding during the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 of 5,158,135,745 (2021: restated 4,866,165,800). 

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share have been based on the profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent 
for each financial period but excluding the post-tax effect of certain exceptional items. The Directors consider that this gives 
a more useful measure of the trading performance and profitability of the Group.

Issued ordinary shares at beginning of period (restated)

Ordinary shares issued on 3 February 2021 (restated)

Issued ordinary shares at end of period

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Exceptional items 

Tax relating to exceptional items 

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the parent excluding 
exceptional items

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share

Basic earnings per ordinary share

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
millions

4,866.2

291.9

5,158.1

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

369.7

292.5

0.3

662.5

12.84p

7.17p

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
millions

4,866.2

–

4,866.2

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
restated
£m

224.3

97.3

(8.3)

313.3

6.44p

4.61p

Note

4

Diluted Earnings Per Ordinary Share
Diluted earnings per ordinary share is 7.17p (2021: 4.61p restated). Diluted adjusted earnings per share is 12.84p  
(2021: 6.44p restated).

The calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share at 29 January 2022 is based on the profit for the period attributable 
to equity holders of the parent of £369.7 million (2021: £224.3 million) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding during the period after adjusting for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares calculated as follows:

Issued ordinary shares at end of period

Shares granted on 20 October 2021 under the JD Sports Fashion Plc LTIP 2021 (see Note 5)

Issued ordinary shares at end of period

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
millions

5,158.1

0.1

5,158.2

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
millions

4,866.2

–

4,866.2

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

11. Acquisitions

Business Combinations
The Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when control is transferred to the Group. 
The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity 
and has the ability to affect the returns through its power over the entity.

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs 
in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.

The consideration transferred in the acquisition is generally measured at fair value, as are the identifiable net assets acquired. 
Any goodwill that arises is tested annually for impairment; however, any resulting impairment will not be tax deductible. The  
consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are 
generally recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Any contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. If an obligation to pay contingent 
consideration that meets the definition of a financial instrument is classified as equity, then it is not remeasured, and the 
settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration 
are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The valuation techniques used for measuring the fair value of material assets acquired are as follows:

 – Assembled workforce – In accordance with IAS 38, the assembled workforce is not recognised as a separate intangible 

asset but is subsumed within goodwill. The assembled workforce is valued using the cost savings method which estimates 
the costs saved by the acquirer from purchasing the asset vs. building or developing the asset internally. 

 – Intangible assets (computer software) – The cost approach is used which reflects the amount that would be required to 

currently replace the service capacity of an asset (often referred to as current replacement cost). 

 – Intangible assets (fascia names and brand names) – The relief from royalty method considers the discounted estimated 

royalty payments that are expected to be avoided as a result of the intangible assets being owned. 

 – Inventories – The fair value is determined based on the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the 

estimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable profit margin based on the effort required to sell the inventories.

 – Leases – A right-of-use asset and lease liability are recognised, measured as if the acquired lease were a new lease at 

the date of acquisition. The fair value of the acquired leases is estimated by comparing the annual rent to a normalised 
rent level based on a market-oriented occupancy rate. The difference is calculated over the remaining lease term and 
discounted at the estimated pre-tax discount rate, adjusting the value of the right-of-use asset recognised under IFRS 16 
‘Leases’. The lease liability recognised is measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, using a discount 
rate determined in accordance with IFRS 16 at the date of acquisition. 

 – Owned property – The cost approach considers the cost to replace the existing improvements, less accrued depreciation, 
plus the fair value of the land. The value of the properties is derived by adding the estimated value of the land to the cost 
of constructing a reproduction or replacement for the improvements and then subtracting the amount of depreciation.

 – Property, plant and equipment – The depreciated replacement cost new valuation approach is utilised, reflecting 

adjustments for physical deterioration as well as functional and economic obsolescence.

 – Customer relationships – The excess earnings method is used to value these intangible assets on acquisition. This method 
considers the use of other assets in the generation of the projected cash flows of a specific asset to isolate the economic 
benefit generated by the subject intangible asset. The contribution of other assets, such as fixed assets, working capital, 
workforce, and other intangible assets, to overall cash flows is estimated through contributory asset ‘capital charges’. 
The latter adjustment is made to separate the value of the particular intangible asset from the portion of the purchase 
price that has already been allocated to the net tangible assets and other intangible assets employed. Therefore, the 
value of the intangible asset is the present value of the after-tax cash flows potentially attributable to it, net of the 
return on fair value attributable to tangible and other intangible assets.

160

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202211. Acquisitions (continued) 

Current Period – Significant Acquisitions 
Acquisitions are presented as significant when they are considered significant in terms of total consideration, the size of the 
store base and/or geographical reach.

DTLR Villa LLC
Initial acquisition
On 17 March 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc (‘JD’) acquired 100% of the issued share capital of DTLR Villa LLC, via a wholly 
owned intermediate holding company in the US. Total cash consideration was £305.2 million, split between £117.9 million 
debt funding and £187.3 million equity funding.

DTLR is based in Baltimore, Maryland and is a hyperlocal athletic footwear and apparel streetwear retailer operating from 
247 stores across 19 states on acquisition. The acquisition of DTLR, with its differentiated consumer proposition, will enhance 
the Group’s neighbourhood presence in the North and East of the US.

The existing DTLR management team has also reinvested a portion of its proceeds back into DTLR in exchange for a new 
minority stake of 1.5%. Put and call options, to enable future exit opportunities for the management team, have also been 
agreed and become exercisable after a minimum period of three years. A valuation of these put options has been performed 
using an earnings multiple, a suitable discount rate and approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £4.2 million has been 
recognised with the corresponding entry to Other Equity in accordance with the present value method of accounting. 
These options are required to be fair valued at each accounting period date.

Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £101.6 million representing 
the DTLR fascia name and an intangible asset of £3.8 million representing the customer relationships arising from the loyalty 
scheme in place. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £212.0 million is 
best considered as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies. The goodwill calculation is summarised 
on the next page. As at the date of this report, the period in which measurement adjustments could be made has now closed 
on this acquisition and no further fair value measurement adjustments have been made.

Subsequent intra-group transfer
On 2 July 2021, JD completed the transfer of the intermediate Parent Company and DTLR to Genesis Topco Inc (‘Genesis’), 
which is an existing 80.0% subsidiary based in the US and Parent Company of the sub-group which contains Finish Line Inc. 
and the Shoe Palace Corporation. It was always the intention for DTLR to be part of the Genesis sub-group, but the requirement 
for speed and certainty of execution on the original transaction meant that it was more appropriate for the Group to initially 
acquire DTLR directly. This transfer to Genesis now brings all of the Group’s businesses in the US into one sub-group, which 
will enhance the future operational collaboration between them. However, as the parent to Genesis, JD will continue to make 
strategic decisions regarding the Company’s future. The consideration payable by Genesis to JD in relation to the transfer 
was the same as the total consideration paid by JD on the original acquisition.

By virtue of the fact that JD only owns 80% of Genesis, JD effectively disposed of a proportion of its investment in DTLR to 
the four Mersho Brothers (‘the Mershos’) who, with their 20% aggregate shareholding in Genesis, are jointly a related party 
of JD. In order to maintain their shareholding in Genesis at the current level, the Mershos invested their pro-rata element of 
the equity consideration of $52.0 million into Genesis. This transfer has taken place on an arm’s length basis and reflects the 
net assets acquired as at the original acquisition date of 17 March 2021. 

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

11. Acquisitions (continued)

Current Period – Significant Acquisitions (continued) 
DTLR Villa LLC (continued)

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other non-current assets

Right-of-use assets

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Income tax asset 

Trade and other payables

Bank loans and overdrafts

Deferred tax liability

Lease liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Goodwill on acquisition

Total consideration

Book value
 £m

 Measurement 
adjustments
 £m

 Fair value at 
 17 March 2021
£m

43.7

53.7

0.5

–

40.3

95.2

7.6

0.4

(37.6)

(140.2)

(3.3)

(11.8)

 48.5

62.9

(4.4)

(0.2)

139.9

–

–

(3.3)

–

(0.9)

–

(21.2)

(128.1)

 44.7

106.6

49.3

0.3

139.9

40.3

95.2

4.3

0.4

(38.5)

(140.2)

(24.5)

(139.9)

 93.2

212.0

305.2

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £382.8 million and a profit before tax of £63.9 million in 
respect of DTLR.

Marketing Investment Group S.A. 
On 30 April 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired 60% of the issued share capital of Marketing Investment Group S.A. 
(‘MIG’) for total consideration of £66.0 million. Total consideration comprises cash consideration of £63.6 million and 
£2.4 million of deferred consideration that is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to be paid in 2022. 

MIG operated 410 stores on acquisition along with the associated trading websites in nine countries in Central and Eastern 
Europe. The acquisition of MIG provided the platform to develop the JD fascia in Central and Eastern Europe. The MIG team 
has been instrumental in the opening of the first JD stores in Eastern Europe with stores at Poznan, Poland, and Constanta, 
Romania. Since the period end, the Group has opened four further JD stores in Poland, one additional store in Romania and 
a first store in Hungary, at the Árkád Shopping Centre in Budapest. We would anticipate further openings for the JD fascia 
across Eastern Europe in the new financial year although events in Ukraine do drive some caution.

Put and call options to enable future exit opportunities for the 40% shareholders have also been agreed and become 
exercisable after the year ending January 2025. A valuation of these put options has been performed using an earnings 
multiple, a suitable discount rate and approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £50.2 million has been recognised with 
the corresponding entry to Other Equity in accordance with the present value method of accounting. These options are 
required to be fair valued at each accounting period date.

Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £25.1 million representing 
the Sizeer fascia name and an intangible asset of £4.1 million representing the 50 Style fascia name. The Board believes that 
the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £41.4 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition 
representing future operating synergies. As at the date of this report, the period in which measurement adjustments could be 
made has now closed on this acquisition and no further fair value measurement adjustments have been made. The goodwill 
calculation is summarised on the next page.

162

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202211. Acquisitions (continued)

Current Period – Significant Acquisitions (continued) 
Marketing Investment Group S.A. (continued)

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other non-current assets

Right-of-use assets

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Income tax asset

Trade and other payables

Bank loans and overdrafts

Deferred tax asset/(liability)

Lease liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Non-controlling interest (40%)

Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration – satisfied in cash

Consideration – deferred

Total consideration

Book value
 £m

 Measurement 
adjustments
 £m

 Fair value at 
 30 April 2021
£m

2.6

16.6

1.1

–

69.1

6.5

4.9

0.1

(58.6)

(27.0)

1.0

–

 16.3

(6.5)

29.2

–

–

66.2

(1.9)

–

1.1

–

1.7

–

(5.5)

(66.2)

 24.6

(9.8)

31.8

16.6

1.1

66.2

67.2

6.5

6.0

0.1

(56.9)

(27.0)

(4.5)

(66.2)

 40.9

(16.3)

41.4

63.6

2.4

66.0

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £175.0 million and a profit before tax of £6.0 million in 
respect of MIG.

Deporvillage S.L.
On 25 June 2021, Iberian Sports Retail Group S.L. (‘ISRG’), the Group’s existing intermediate holding company in Spain, 
exchanged contracts on the conditional acquisition of Deporvillage S.L. (‘Deporvillage’), which is based in Manresa, Catalonia. 
ISRG is a leading operator in the sporting goods market across Iberia through its Sprinter and Sport Zone fascias with the 
acquisition of Deporvillage, an online retailer of specialist sports equipment with country specific websites in six European 
countries, giving additional depth and expertise in the key categories of cycling, running and outdoor. The transaction was 
subject to certain conditions, principally relating to anti-trust clearance, with formal completion taking place on 3 August 
2021. Total maximum cash consideration for the acquisition of an initial 80% holding is £119.6 million of which a maximum 
of £34.5 million has been deferred and will be paid contingent on achieving certain future performance criteria. As at the 
date of the acquisition and the January 2022 year-end, the fair value of the contingent consideration was determined to 
be £19.0 million.

Put and call options to enable future exit opportunities for the 20% shareholders have also been agreed and become 
exercisable from 2024 onwards. A valuation of these put options has been performed using an earnings multiple, a suitable 
discount rate and approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £11.2 million has been recognised with the corresponding entry 
to Other Equity in accordance with the present value method of accounting. These options are required to be fair valued at 
each accounting period date.

Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £38.8 million representing 
the Deporvillage online fascia name and an intangible asset of £2.9 million representing the fair value of the customer base. 

The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £70.4 million is best considered 
as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies. The provisional goodwill calculation is summarised on the 
next page. 

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £67.8 million and a profit before tax of £2.5 million in 
respect of Deporvillage.

163

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

11. Acquisitions (continued)

Current Period – Significant Acquisitions (continued) 
Deporvillage S.L. (continued)

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Bank loans and overdrafts

Income tax liability

Deferred tax asset/(liability)

Lease liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Non-controlling interest (20%)

Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration – satisfied in cash

Consideration – deferred

Total consideration

Book value
£m

Measurement 
adjustments
£m

Provisional fair 
value at  

3 August 2021
£m

0.9

0.3

–

28.6

2.4

4.7

(29.3)

(1.3)

(1.0)

0.6

–

5.9

(1.2)

48.4

–

1.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

(12.1)

(1.1)

36.3

(7.3)

49.3

0.3

1.1

28.6

2.4

4.7

(29.3)

(1.3)

(1.0)

(11.5)

(1.1)

42.2

(8.5)

70.4

85.1

19.0

104.1

Cosmos Sport S.A.
On 21 October 2021, the Group acquired 80% of the issued share capital of Cosmos Sport S.A. (‘Cosmos’) for cash 
consideration of £65.0 million. At acquisition Cosmos operated 58 stores in Greece and three in Cyprus under a variety 
of retail banners and associated trading websites. The two main fascias are Cosmos, which is the core fascia of the business 
and has an elevated sporting goods and lifestyle proposition, and Sneaker 10, which has a more premium footwear offer. 

Put and call options to enable future exit opportunities for the 20% shareholders have also been agreed and become 
exercisable from 2025 onwards. A valuation of these put options has been performed using an earnings multiple, a suitable 
discount rate and approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £10.0 million has been recognised with the corresponding 
entry to Other Equity in accordance with the present value method of accounting. These options are required to be fair 
valued at each accounting period date.

Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £9.1 million representing the 
Cosmos fascia name and an intangible asset of £4.2 million representing the Sneaker 10 fascia name. The Board believes that 
the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £39.5 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition 
representing future operating synergies. The provisional goodwill calculation is summarised on the next page.

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £26.0 million and a profit before tax of £0.9 million in 
respect of Cosmos.

164

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202211. Acquisitions (continued)

Current Period – Significant Acquisitions (continued) 
Cosmos Sport S.A. (continued)

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other non-current assets

Right-of-use assets

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Income tax asset

Trade and other payables

Bank loans and overdrafts

Deferred tax liability

Lease liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Non-controlling interest (20%)

Goodwill on acquisition

Total consideration

Book value 
£m

Measurement 
adjustments 
£m

Provisional fair 
value at  

21 October 2021
£m

–

14.0

1.0

–

24.3

13.2

5.7

0.3

(27.9)

(8.5)

(0.3)

–

21.8

(4.4)

13.3

–

–

38.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3.2)

(38.2)

10.1

(2.0)

13.3

14.0

1.0

38.2

24.3

13.2

5.7

0.3

(27.9)

(8.5)

(3.5)

(38.2)

31.9

(6.4)

39.5

65.0

Current Period – Other Acquisitions 
The aggregate impact of the other acquisitions in the current period is as follows with further details provided in the narrative 
on pages 166 to 168:

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Other non-current assets

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Bank loans and overdrafts

Income tax liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Lease liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Non-controlling interest (various)

Goodwill on acquisition

Consideration – satisfied in cash

Consideration – deferred

Total consideration

Fair values 
acquired
£m

34.4

8.5

26.3

0.2

31.6

35.3

9.6

(24.5)

(6.2)

(4.4)

(6.6)

(26.3)

77.9

(11.6)

126.7

174.3

18.7

193.0

165

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

11. Acquisitions (continued)

Current Period – Other Acquisitions (continued) 
80s Casual Classics Limited
On 2 March 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired 70% of the issued share capital of 80s Casual Classics Limited (‘80s CC’) for 
cash consideration of £15.4 million. 80s CC is predominantly an online retailer of retro and original clothing from brands such 
as adidas and Sergio Tacchini, inspired by the British subculture of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. The acquisition included put and 
call options over the remaining 30% of shares, exercisable in annual tranches after a minimum period of three years. 

Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £1.0 million representing the 
80s CC fascia name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £9.0 million 
is best considered as goodwill representing future operating synergies. As at the date of this report, the period in which 
measurement adjustments could be made has now closed on this acquisition and no further fair value measurement 
adjustments have been made. 

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £13.0 million and a profit before tax of £3.9 million in 
respect of 80s Casual Classics.

Uggbugg Fashion Limited
On 18 June 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired 51% of the issued share capital of Uggbugg Fashion Limited, including 
a wholly owned subsidiary, Missy Empire Limited (together ‘Missy Empire’), for initial cash consideration of £11.7 million. 
Additional consideration of up to £2.2 million is payable if certain performance criteria are achieved. The fair value of the 
contingent consideration as at the acquisition date and as at 29 January 2022 was determined to be £nil.

Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £0.9 million representing 
the Missy Empire fascia name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of 
£9.6 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies. 

Put and call options over 9% of the remaining 49% shareholding have also been agreed and become exercisable after 
the year ending January 2025. A valuation of these put options has been performed using an earnings multiple, a suitable 
discount rate and approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £1.4 million has been recognised with the corresponding 
entry to Other Equity in accordance with the present value method of accounting. These options are required to be fair 
valued at each accounting period date.

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £6.2 million and a break even result in respect of Missy Empire.

The Watch Shop Holdings Limited and Watch Shop Logistics Ltd 
On 18 June 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired 100% of the issued share capital of The Watch Shop Holdings Limited 
and Watch Shop Logistics Ltd (together ‘WatchShop’) via a wholly owned intermediate holding company. Total cash 
consideration paid was £26.2 million. Contingent consideration is payable subject to certain criteria being met. The fair 
value of the contingent consideration as at the acquisition date and as at 29 January 2022 was determined to be £nil.

WatchShop is an online retailer of designer fashion watches from brands such as Armani, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss. 
Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £2.5 million representing 
the WatchShop fascia name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of 
£10.6 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies. 

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £19.2 million and a loss before tax of £0.7 million in 
respect of WatchShop.

Bodytone International Sport S.L.
On 3 August 2021, ISRG, the Group’s existing intermediate holding company in Spain, acquired 50.1% of the issued share 
capital of Bodytone International Sport S.L. (‘Bodytone’) for initial cash consideration of £8.9 million. Additional consideration 
of up to £3.1 million is payable if certain performance criteria are achieved and the fair value of this contingent consideration 
as at the acquisition date and as at 29 January 2022 was determined to be £2.9 million.

Based in Murcia in Spain, Bodytone manufactures and distributes professional fitness equipment with a presence in over 
40 countries worldwide. ISRG believes that the acquisition of Bodytone will enhance its product categories and improve its 
specialised sporting goods offer. Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible 
asset of £4.9 million representing the Bodytone name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net 
assets on acquisition of £8.8 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies. 

166

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202211. Acquisitions (continued)

Current Period – Other Acquisitions (continued) 
Put and call options over the remaining 49.9% shareholding have also been agreed and become exercisable in tranches from 
2024 onwards. A valuation of these put options has been performed using an earnings multiple, a suitable discount rate and 
approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £11.3 million has been recognised with the corresponding entry to Other Equity 
in accordance with the present value method of accounting. These options are required to be fair valued at each accounting 
period date.

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £7.5 million and a profit before tax of £1.0 million in 
respect of Bodytone.

Hairburst Holding Group Limited
On 17 September 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired 75% of the issued share capital of Hairburst Holding Group Limited, 
including three wholly owned subsidiaries (together ‘Hairburst’) for cash consideration of £26.2 million. 

Hairburst retails own label haircare products and vitamins via a direct to consumer website and as a wholesaler both in 
the UK and internationally. Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset 
of £6.6 million representing the Hairburst name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets 
on acquisition of £18.1 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies. 

Put and call options over the remaining 25% shareholding have also been agreed and become exercisable in tranches from 
2025 onwards. A valuation of these put options has been performed using an earnings multiple, a suitable discount rate and 
approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £8.4 million has been recognised with the corresponding entry to Other Equity 
in accordance with the present value method of accounting. These options are required to be fair valued at each accounting 
period date.

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £6.3 million and a profit before tax of £0.1 million in 
respect of Hairburst. 

Wheelbase Lakeland Limited
On 3 June 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc exchanged contracts on the conditional acquisition of 77.5% of the issued share 
capital of Wheelbase Lakeland Limited (‘Wheelbase’). Completion of the acquisition was subject to obtaining consent 
for the change in control from the Financial Conduct Authority. This was obtained, the acquisition subsequently completed 
on 30 September 2021 and the cash consideration paid was £22.2 million.

Operating from three stores on acquisition and a trading website, Wheelbase is firmly established as one of the premier 
cycling retailers in the UK, and the product offering centres on premium cycles and accessories from key brands such 
as Cube, Cannondale, Trek and Specialized. Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition 
is an intangible asset of £1.4 million representing the Wheelbase fascia name. The Board believes that the excess 
of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £18.7 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition 
representing future operating synergies.

Put and call options over the remaining 22.5% shareholding have also been agreed and become exercisable in tranches from 
2025 onwards. A valuation of these put options has been performed using an earnings multiple, a suitable discount rate and 
approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £4.0 million has been recognised with the corresponding entry to Other Equity 
in accordance with the present value method of accounting. These options are required to be fair valued at each accounting 
period date.

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £4.0 million and a profit before tax of £0.2 million in 
respect of Wheelbase.

XLR8 Sports Limited
On 19 November 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired 100% of XLR8 Sports Limited trading as Leisure Lakes Bikes (‘Leisure 
Lakes’) for initial cash consideration of £25.6 million plus additional consideration up to a maximum of £15.0 million if certain 
performance criteria are achieved. The fair value of this contingent consideration as at the acquisition date and as at 
29 January 2022 was determined to be £11.2 million.

Operating from 10 stores and a trading website, Leisure Lakes is considered to be one of the leading omnichannel retailers 
of bicycles and bicycle parts, equipment, clothing and accessories, and is a key partner for most of the major brands including 
Trek, Cube and Specialized. Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset 
of £2.5 million representing the Leisure Lakes fascia name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net 
assets on acquisition of £25.9 million is best considered as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies.

Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue of £4.4 million and a loss before tax of £0.3 million in 
respect of Leisure Lakes.

167

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

11. Acquisitions (continued)

Current Period – Other Acquisitions 
GymNation 
On 24 December 2021, the Group’s existing subsidiary JD Sports Gyms Limited (‘JD Gyms’) acquired 100% of GymNation 
Limited and its 100% owned subsidiary GymNation LLC (together ‘GymNation’) for cash consideration of $42.2 million and 
contingent consideration of $6.1 million. We assessed the substance of the contingent payment taking into account the 
management leaver terms of the shareholder agreement and concluded that an element of the contingent payment is a future 
payment to employees and the remainder is contingent consideration. Contingent consideration is cash-settled and is linked 
to GymNation’s future performance. It is initially measured at fair value and is subsequently remeasured to fair value at each 
reporting date until the contingency is settled. The fair value of contingent consideration recognised at 29 January 2022 is 
$6.6 million (£4.9 million). The maximum amount of the future payment is £75 million.

GymNation is a chain of seven gyms in the UAE (six in Dubai and one Abu Dhabi). Included within the fair value of the net 
identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £7.9 million representing the GymNation fascia name. The Board 
believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £21.8 million is best considered as goodwill 
on acquisition representing future operating synergies. Included in the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 is revenue 
of £1.3 million and a profit before tax of £0.2 million in respect of GymNation.

Other Acquisitions
During the period, the Group made one other small acquisitions. This transaction was not material.

Full Year Impact of Acquisitions
Had the acquisitions of the entities listed above been effected at 31 January 2021, the revenue and profit before tax of the 
Group for the 52 week period to 29 January 2022 would have been £8.9 billion and £666.1 million respectively.

Acquisition Costs
Acquisition-related costs amounting to £7.9 million have been excluded from the consideration transferred and have been 
recognised as an expense in the year, within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Prior Period Acquisitions
Onepointfive Ventures Limited trading as Livestock
On 10 February 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Onepointfive Ventures Limited DBA Livestock 
(‘Livestock’) through a newly established Canadian holding company (JDSF Holdings (Canada) Inc.) (‘Holdco’). Based in 
Vancouver, this business and its management will provide the platform to develop JD Group fascias in Canada. 

Consideration comprised £7.0 million in cash, of which £0.6 million was deferred as at the date of acquisition, plus 20% of the 
equity in Holdco. The fair value of the 20% equity in Holdco was £1.8 million. The deferred consideration of £0.6 million was 
subsequently paid in June 2021.

Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £1.2 million, representing the 
‘Livestock’ fascia name. The Board believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £8.4 million 
is best considered as goodwill on acquisition representing future operating synergies. No measurement adjustments have 
been made during the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 and the period in which measurement adjustments could be 
made has now closed on this acquisition. The goodwill calculation is summarised below:

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Inventories
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liability
Lease liabilities
Income tax liability
Net identifiable (liabilities)/assets
Goodwill on acquisition 
Consideration – satisfied in cash
Consideration – fair value of shares issued
Consideration – deferred (paid June 2021) 
Total consideration

168

Book value 
£m

 Measurement 
adjustments
 £m

 Fair value at 
10 February 
2020 
£m

–
0.5
0.5
0.5
(0.8)
0.1
(0.5)
–
(0.5)
(0.3)
 (0.5)

1.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
(0.3)
–
–
 0.9

1.2
0.5
0.5
0.5
(0.8)
0.1
(0.5)
(0.3)
(0.5)
(0.3)
 0.4
8.4
 6.4
1.8
0.6
8.8

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202211. Acquisitions (continued)

Prior Period Acquisitions (continued)
Included in the 52 week period ended 30 January 2021 was revenue of £10.1 million and a profit before tax of £1.4 million in 
respect of Livestock.

X4L Gyms Limited 
On 22 July 2020, X4L Gyms Limited, a 100% owned subsidiary of JD Gyms Limited, acquired certain assets of Wright Leisure 
Limited trading as Xercise4less following the Group being placed into administration on the same date. 

Xercise4less is a UK-based value-gym chain with 50 operational clubs at the date of administration. The Company offered 
high-quality, low-cost contract and non-contract memberships to its members from large operational facilities nationwide. 

The Board believes that Xercise4less further strengthens the Group’s presence in the growing UK fitness market with the 
acquisition providing immediate reach to a wider membership base as well as facilitating the Group’s presence as a key player 
in the market. Xercise4less is a well-established business with a wealth of knowledge in the UK fitness market which the Board 
believes will be complementary to JD Gyms. The Board also believes that there will be significant operational and strategic 
benefits from a combination of the two businesses. 

The Board believes the excess of cash consideration paid over the net identifiable assets on acquisition of £14.2 million is 
best considered as goodwill representing future operating synergies.

No measurement adjustments have been made during the 52 week period ended 29 January 2022 and the period in which 
measurement adjustments could be made has now closed on this acquisition. The goodwill calculation is summarised below:

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Deferred tax liability

Net identifiable assets/(liabilities)

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration – satisfied in cash

Book value 
£m

 Measurement 
adjustments
 £m

 Fair value at 
22 July 2020 
£m

16.3

7.8

0.1

–

–

24.2

–

(16.1)

4.4

(0.1)

(1.5)

(0.9)

(14.2)

–

0.2

12.2

–

(1.5)

(0.9)

10.0

14.2

24.2

Included in the 52 week period ended 30 January 2021 was revenue of £8.1 million and a loss before tax of £3.3 million 
in respect of X4L Gyms Limited.

Of the initial 50 X4L Gyms Limited sites initially acquired, 11 have been subsequently handed back to the landlord, 28 have 
been re-branded as JD Gyms and 11 continue to operate as X4L Gyms Limited as we continue to review the long-term viability 
of these sites.

Shoe Palace Corporation and Nice Kicks LLC 
On 14 December 2020, JD Sports Fashion Plc’s wholly owned intermediate holding company in the US, Genesis Holdings, 
acquired 100% of the issued shares in Shoe Palace Corporation and the members’ interests in Nice Kicks LLC (together 
‘Shoe Palace’). Shoe Palace has an established retail presence in California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Colorado, New 
Mexico and Hawaii with 163 stores trading under the Shoe Palace fascia and four stores trading as Nice Kicks at acquisition. 

Total consideration for the acquisition was £517.6 million, comprising £243.5 million of cash consideration (of which 
£73.1 million was deferred as at the date of acquisition) and £274.1 million, being the initial fair value of this equity 
in the enlarged Group in the US calculated using an EBITDA multiple and approved forecasts. Post acquisition, the 
£73.1 million of deferred consideration has been settled.

Additionally, put and call options, to enable future exit opportunities for the minority interest, have also been agreed, which 
commence after the end of the financial year to 1 February 2025. A valuation of these put options has been performed using 
an EBITDA multiple, a suitable discount rate and approved forecasts, and the initial liability of £261.6 million was recognised 
with the corresponding entry to Other Equity in accordance with the present access method of accounting. These options are 
required to be fair valued at each accounting period date. 

169

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

11. Acquisitions (continued)

Prior Period Acquisitions (continued)
Shoe Palace Corporation and Nice Kicks LLC (continued)
Included within the fair value of the net identifiable assets on acquisition is an intangible asset of £105.8 million, representing 
the ‘Shoe Palace’ fascia name and an intangible asset of £1.2 million, representing the ‘Nice Kicks’ fascia name. The Board 
believes that the excess of consideration paid over net assets on acquisition of £411.0 million is best considered as goodwill 
on acquisition representing future operating synergies. Due to the proximity of the date of the acquisition to the financial year 
ended 30 January 2021, information was received during the financial year ended 29 January 2022 which resulted in changes 
to the measurement adjustments. The changes made were not significant in nature or value, with the final values presented 
in the table below. The period in which measurement adjustments could be made has now closed on this acquisition.

Book value
 £m

Measurement 
adjustments 
£m

 Fair value at 
14 December 2020
 £m

Acquiree’s net assets at acquisition date:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Other non-current assets

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank loans and overdrafts

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables – current 

Trade and other payables – non-current

Deferred tax liability

Lease liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Goodwill on acquisition 

Consideration – satisfied in cash

Consideration – fair value of shares issued

Consideration – deferred

Total consideration

0.2

22.7

139.8

0.6

49.7

3.1

(1.7)

10.7

(64.2)

(9.5)

–

(139.8)

 11.6

 107.0

1.3

–

–

6.7

–

–

(2.1)

6.4

9.5

(33.8)

–

 95.0

107.2

24.0

139.8

0.6

56.4

3.1

(1.7)

8.6

(57.8)

–

(33.8)

(139.8)

 106.6

411.0

170.4

274.1

73.1

517.6

Included in the 52 week period ended 30 January 2021 was revenue of £56.1 million and a profit before tax of £13.9 million in 
respect of Shoe Palace.

A Number of Names Limited 
On 23 December 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of A Number of Names Limited (‘ANON’). 
ANON is primarily a wholesale business with the licence to the Billionaire Boys Club (‘BBC’) brand in the UK, Europe, the 
Middle East, Africa, Australia, Canada and certain other territories. 

The total fair value of consideration recognised at 23 December 2020 was £5.5 million comprising £3.7 million of cash 
consideration and £1.8 million of deferred consideration that is contingent upon ANON meeting certain performance 
criteria. £1.8 million was deemed to be the fair value of the deferred consideration based on management’s judgement 
and best estimates as at 23 December 2020. Due to the proximity of the date of the acquisition to the financial year ended 
30 January 2021, information was received during the financial year ended 29 January 2022 which resulted in changes to the 
measurement adjustments. The changes made were not significant in nature or value and the period in which measurement 
adjustments could be made has now closed on this acquisition.

The Board believes the excess of consideration over the net assets acquired of £2.7 million is best considered as goodwill 
on acquisition representing future operating synergies. 

Included in the 52 week period ended 30 January 2021 was revenue of £0.2 million and a break even result before tax 
in respect of ANON.

170

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202211. Acquisitions (continued)

Other Acquisitions
During the period, the Group made several small acquisitions. These transactions were not material.

Full Year Impact of Acquisitions
Had the acquisitions of the entities listed above been effected at 2 February 2020, the revenue and profit before tax 
of the Group for the 52 week period to 30 January 2021 would have been £6.5 billion and £334.9 million respectively.

Acquisition Costs
Acquisition-related costs amounting to £4.0 million have been excluded from the consideration transferred and have 
been recognised as an expense in the prior year, within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

12. Intangible Assets

Acquisitions
The acquisitions of intangible assets in the current year principally relate to the acquisition of DTLR Villa LLC, Marketing 
Investment Group S.A., Deporvillage S.L. and Cosmos Sport S.A. The acquisitions in the prior year principally relate to the 
acquisition of Onepointfive Ventures Limited, X4L Gyms Limited and Shoe Palace Corporation (including Nice Kicks LLC). 
Further details, including the fair value of the assets acquired, are provided in Note 11.

Amortisation
Included within the amortisation charge for the period ended 29 January 2022 is accelerated amortisation of £0.4 million 
(2021: £4.0 million) following a review of the useful economic life of certain items of software development capitalised.

Impairment
The impairment in the current period relates to the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Rascal Clothing Limited and Bernard 
Esher Limited. An impairment charge of £2.2 million has been recognised against the goodwill included in the carrying value 
of the Rascal Clothing Limited Group CGU of £5.6 million (recoverable amount £2.4 million) and an impairment charge of 
£0.2 million against the goodwill included in the carrying value of the Bernard Esher Limited Group CGU of £0.4 million 
(recoverable amount £nil). 

The impairment in the prior period primarily relates to the impairment of the goodwill and fascia names arising in prior years 
on the acquisition of Footasylum (£55.6 million) and Go Outdoors Topco Limited (£33.3 million).

Intangible Assets with Finite Lives
Brand Licences
Brand licences are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation of brand licences is 
charged to the Consolidated Income Statement within cost of sales over the term to the licence expiry on a straight-line basis.

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its brand licences to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Impairment losses 
are recognised within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

The recoverable amount of brand licences is determined based on value-in-use calculations. The use of this method requires 
the estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing operation of the relevant asset until the licence 
expiry date and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. 

Customer Relationships
Customer relationships acquired as part of a business combination are stated at fair value as at the acquisition date less 
accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation of customer relationships is charged to the Consolidated 
Income Statement within administrative expenses over the estimated useful life of five years on a straight-line basis. At  
each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its customer relationships to determine whether there is 
any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Impairment  
losses are recognised within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Brand Names
Brand names acquired as part of a business combination are stated at fair value as at the acquisition date less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses. Brand names separately acquired are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation 
and impairment losses. The useful economic life of each purchased brand name is considered to be finite and is typically 
between five and ten years. In determining the useful economic life of each brand name, the Board considers the market 
position of the brands acquired, the nature of the market that the brands operate in, typical product life-cycles of 
brands and the useful economic lives of similar assets that are used in comparable ways. Brand names are amortised 
on a straight-line basis over their useful economic lives and the amortisation charge is included within administrative 
expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

171

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

12. Intangible Assets (continued)

Intangible Assets with Finite Lives (continued)
Brand Names (continued) 
At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its brand names and licences to determine whether there 
is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.

The recoverable amount of brand names is determined based on a ‘royalty relief’ method of valuation. The recoverable amount of 
brand names is based on an estimation of future sales and the choice of a suitable royalty and discount rate in order to calculate 
the present value, when this method is deemed the most appropriate. The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash 
flows expected to arise from the continuing operation of the asset and the choice of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate 
the present value. Impairment losses are recognised within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Software Development
Software developments costs (including website development costs) are capitalised as intangible assets if the technical 
and commercial feasibility of the project has been demonstrated, the future economic benefits are probable, the Group 
has an intention and ability to complete and use or sell the software and the costs can be measured reliably. Costs that 
do not meet these criteria are expensed as incurred. Software development costs are stated at historic cost, less 
accumulated amortisation. Capitalised software costs are related to software under the control of the Group.

Software development costs are all amortised over a period of two to seven years on a straight-line basis and the amortisation 
charge is included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement. Software development includes £nil 
(2021: £nil) of internally generated software development.

Fascia Name
Separately identifiable fascia names acquired are stated at fair value as at the acquisition date less accumulated amortisation 
and impairment losses. The initial fair value is determined by using a ‘royalty relief’ method of valuation. This is based on an 
estimation of future sales and the choice of a suitable royalty and discount rate in order to calculate the present value, when 
this method is deemed the most appropriate. This method involves calculating a net present value for each fascia name by 
discounting the projected future royalties expected using a finite useful economic life for each fascia. The future royalties 
are estimated by applying a suitable royalty rate to the sales forecast.

Store and online fascia names are considered to have a finite useful economic life. The estimated useful economic lives are as follows:

 – Online fascia names 
 – Store fascia names 

3 to 10 years
10 years 

The factors that are considered when determining the useful life of each fascia name are as follows:

 – The strength of the respective fascia names in the relevant sector and geographic region where the fascia is located.
 – The history of the fascia names and that of similar assets in the relevant retail sectors. 
 – The commitment of the Group to continue to operate these stores separately for the foreseeable future, including the 

ongoing investment in new stores and refurbishments.

 – The impact of increased competition in the marketplace as a result of reduced barriers to entry and its impact on the 

useful life of online fascia names.

The remaining useful economic lives of fascia names as at 29 January 2022 range over a period of 4 to 10 years. 

Fascia names are all amortised over the useful economic life on a straight-line basis and the amortisation charge is 
included within administrative expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement.

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its fascia names to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable 
amount of these assets is determined based on value-in-use calculations. The use of this method requires the estimation of 
future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing operation of the Group CGU and the choice of a suitable discount 
rate in order to calculate the present value. Impairment losses are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives 
Goodwill
Goodwill represents amounts arising on acquisition of subsidiaries. The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

 – the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus
 – the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus
 – if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree; less
 – the net recognised amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

When the excess is negative, the negative goodwill is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit/loss on disposal.

172

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
12. Intangible Assets (continued)

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives (continued) 
Goodwill (continued)
Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to Group CGUs and is tested annually 
for impairment and whenever there is an indication that the goodwill may be impaired. The Group CGUs are either the store 
portfolios or individual businesses acquired and the recoverable amount is determined based on value-in-use calculations. 
The recoverable amount is compared with the carrying amount of the Group CGU including goodwill.

Goodwill 
£m

Brand licences 
£m

Brand names 
£m

Fascia names 
£m

Customer 
relationships
£m

Software 
development 
£m

Cost or valuation 

At 1 February 2020 

Additions 

Acquisitions 

Reclassifications 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 30 January 2021 

Additions 

Acquisitions 

Reclassifications 

Disposals 

Transfer to assets held-for-sale 
(Note 32)

Exchange differences 

At 29 January 2022 

Amortisation 
and impairment 

At 1 February 2020 

Charge for the period 

Impairments 

Reclassifications 

Disposals 

Exchange differences 

At 30 January 2021 

Charge for the period 

Impairments 

Reclassifications 

Disposals 

Transfer to assets held-for-sale 
(Note 32)

299.8

–

434.8

–

–

(36.1)

698.5

–

490.0

–

–

–

(2.6)

1,185.9

90.4

–

29.8

–

–

–

120.2

–

2.4

–

–

–

11.8

3.8

–

–

–

–

15.6

5.2

1.3

–

–

–

–

22.1

11.1

2.2

–

–

–

–

13.3

1.1

–

–

–

–

At 29 January 2022 

122.6

14.4

Net book value 

At 29 January 2022 

At 30 January 2021

At 1 February 2020

1,063.3

578.3

209.4

7.7

2.3

0.7

25.9

–

–

–

–

–

25.9

–

–

–

–

(3.0)

–

22.9

13.3

1.7

–

–

–

–

15.0

1.8

0.1

–

–

(0.8)

16.1

6.8

10.9

12.6

214.0

–

108.9

–

–

5.2

328.1

–

212.5

–

–

–

(15.6)

525.0

55.0

16.2

59.7

–

–

1.0

131.9

39.5

–

–

–

–

171.4

353.6

196.2

159.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12.6

–

–

–

(0.9)

11.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.5

–

–

–

–

1.5

10.2

–

–

77.5

19.1

0.2

1.8

(0.7)

2.2

100.1

14.9

9.0

0.7

(3.6)

(7.5)

0.1

113.7

45.5

20.9

0.1

0.9

(0.4)

1.1

68.1

19.5

2.8

(1.1)

(2.6)

(5.0)

81.7

32.0

32.0

32.0

Total 
£m

629.0

22.9

543.9

1.8

(0.7)

(28.7)

1,168.2

20.1

725.4

0.7

(3.6)

(10.5)

(19.0)

1,881.3

215.3

41.0

89.6

0.9

(0.4)

2.1

348.5

63.4

5.3

(1.1)

(2.6)

(5.8)

407.7

1,473.6

819.7

413.7

173

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

12. Intangible Assets (continued)

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives (continued) 
Goodwill (continued)
The carrying amount of goodwill and fascia name by Group CGU, along with the key assumptions used in the value-in-use 
calculation, is as follows:

Basic financial information

Bodytone

Cosmos

Deporvillage

DTLR 

Finish Line

First Sport store portfolio

Go Outdoors

GymNation

Hairburst

JD Gyms

Leisure Lakes

MIG 

Missy Empire

Shoe Palace

Sport Zone

WatchShop

Wheelbase

Other 

Segment

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion 

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Outdoor

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Outdoor

Sports 
Fashion 

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Outdoor 

Sports 
Fashion & 
Outdoor 

Goodwill  
2022 
£m

Fascia name 
2022 
£m

Total 
intangible 
2022 
£m

8.1

4.3

12.4

36.6

12.0

48.6

65.2

34.0

99.2

205.5

89.2

294.7

99.6

45.5

145.1

15.0

–

20.4

18.1

14.1

25.9

37.5

9.6

–

14.3

7.2

15.0

14.3

27.6

6.4

24.5

–

2.4

25.7

0.7

14.1

28.3

63.2

10.3

Goodwill  
2021 
£m

Fascia name 
2021 
£m

Total 
intangible 
2021 
£m

–

–

–

–

97.2

15.0

–

–

–

14.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

51.3

148.5

–

16.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

15.0

16.1

–

–

14.1

–

–

–

398.3

92.1

490.4

386.3

101.1

487.4

16.1

10.6

18.7

64.0

5.9

2.2

1.4

10.3

22.0

12.8

20.1

74.3

17.2

7.3

24.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

48.5

20.4

68.9

The total intangible assets include a decrease of £55.1 million (Shoe Palace £17.5 million, Deporvillage £8.1 million, MIG 
£6.8 million, DTLR £6.6 million, Finish Line £5.6 million, Cosmos £3.6 million, Other £6.9 million) in relation to exchange 
rate fluctuations (2021: £36.1 million).

1,063.3

353.6

1,416.9

578.3

196.2

774.5

174

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202212. Intangible Assets (continued)

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives (continued)
Goodwill (continued)

Impairment model assumptions used

Short-
term 
growth

Short-
term 
growth

Long-
term 
growth 

Long-
term 
growth 

 rate(1) 
2022

 rate(1) 
2021

rate(2) 
2022

rate(2) 
2021

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Pre-Tax 
Discount

Pre-Tax 
Discount

 rate(3) 
2022 

 rate(3) 
2021 

Margin rate

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.4%

2.0%

1.0%

1.0% Gross margins are assumed to be broadly consistent 
with recent historic and approved budget levels

14.2%

13.7%

Bodytone(4)

Cosmos(4)

Deporvillage(4)

DTLR(4)

Finish Line

Segment

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion 

Sports 
Fashion 

First Sport 
store portfolio

Sports 
Fashion

1.0%

1.0%

1.0%

1.0% Gross margins are assumed to be broadly consistent 
with recent historic and approved budget levels

9.0%

8.5%

Go Outdoors Outdoor

4.1%

2.0%

2.0%

2.0% Gross margins are assumed to be broadly consistent 
with recent historic and approved budget levels

20.4%

16.0%

GymNation(4)

Hairburst(4) 

JD Gyms

Leisure 
Lakes(4)

MIG(4)

Missy 
Empire(4)

Shoe Palace

Sport Zone

WatchShop(4)

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion 

Outdoor

Sports 
Fashion 

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion 

Sports 
Fashion

Sports 
Fashion

Wheelbase(4) Outdoor 

Other 

Sports 
Fashion & 
Outdoor 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.0%

3.0%

3.0%

1.0% Gross margins are assumed to be broadly consistent 
with recent historic and approved budget levels

10.2%

9.7%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.0%

4.0%

3.0%

1.5% Gross margins are assumed to be broadly consistent 
with recent historic and approved budget levels

15.1%

15.6%

4.8%

2.0%

2.0%

2.0% Gross margins are assumed to be broadly consistent 
with recent historic and approved budget levels

12.5%

12.3%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.0% 
–3.0%

1.0% 
–3.0%

1.0% 
–3.0%

1.0% 
–3.0%

–

–

–

–

–

–

A range of gross margin assumptions, from 
broadly consistent with approved budget levels 
to improvements of up to 2% in the short term to 
reflect implementation of enhanced Group terms and 
focused strategy regarding stock and merchandising 

8.9% 
–18.1%

7.0% 
–13.1%

(1)  The short-term revenue growth rate is the Board approved average annual growth rate for the four year period following the January 2023 

financial year currently underway. 

(2)  The long-term revenue growth rate is the rate used thereafter, which is an estimate of the growth based on past experience within the Group 

taking account of economic growth forecast for the relevant industries.

(3)  The discount rate applied is a pre-tax measure based on the historical industry average weighted average cost of capital, with a possible 

debt leverage of 15% at a market interest rate of 5%. The discount rate applied reflects any specific risk premiums relevant to the Group CGU. 
The impact of the right-of-use asset funding under IFRS 16 has been taken into consideration and factored into the calculation of the discount 
rate. These discount rates are considered to be equivalent to the rates a market participant would use.

(4)  No impairment models have been completed for these assets given they were newly acquired during the financial year and there were no 

indicators of impairment noted at the year-end.

175

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

12. Intangible Assets (continued)

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives (continued)
Goodwill (continued)
The cash flow projections used in the value-in-use calculations are all based on actual operating results, together with 
financial forecasts and strategy plans approved by the Board covering a five year period. These forecasts and plans are 
based on both past performance and expectations for future market development.

Sensitivity Analysis
A sensitivity analysis has been performed on the base case assumptions used for assessing the goodwill and other intangibles. 

The Board has considered the possibility of each business achieving less revenue and gross profit % than forecast. Whilst any 
reduction in revenue would be partially offset by a reduction in revenue-related costs, the Board would also take actions to 
mitigate the loss of gross profit by reducing other costs. With regard to the assessment of value-in-use of all Group CGUs, 
with the exception of Go Outdoors and Shoe Palace (see separate disclosure below), the Board believes that there are no 
reasonably possible changes in any of the key assumptions which would cause the carrying value of the unit to exceed its 
recoverable amount and the amount of headroom would cover large negative growth rates. 

The table below shows the amount of headroom for each Group CGU, as well as the current assumption used and the revised 
assumption which would be required to eliminate the headroom.

Short-term growth rate

Long-term growth rate

Pre-tax discount rate

Company

Headroom
£m

First Sport store portfolio

235.0

Finish Line

1,050.9

Go Outdoors

JD Gyms

Shoe Palace

Sport Zone

13.9

23.8

39.9

247.3

% Used

Revised %

% Used

Revised %

% Used

Revised %

1.0

1.4

4.1

3.0

4.0

4.8

-17.1

-5.0

2.9

-44.5

1.6

-29.1

1.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

3.0

2.0

more than 
-1,000

more than 
-1,000

-18.2

-32.3

2.1

-146.1

9.0

14.2

20.4

10.2

15.1

12.5

104.2

58.9

24.9

58.2

16.0

38.1

Go Outdoors
As shown in the table above, marginal changes to the assumptions could eliminate the headroom and cause the carrying 
value of the Group CGU to exceed its recoverable amount. The following further sensitivities were performed:

 – If the pre-tax discount rate increased by 1% with all other assumptions remaining unchanged, this would not result in an 
impairment but would reduce the headroom to £10.1 million (representing 13.1% of the carrying value of the Group CGU).

 – Reducing the long-term growth rate by 1% with all other assumptions remaining unchanged would not result in an 

impairment but would reduce the headroom to £1.1 million (representing 1.4% of the carrying value of the Group CGU).
 – Reducing the forecast gross profit margin rate by 1% with all other assumptions remaining unchanged would not result in 
an impairment but would reduce the headroom to £4.7 million (representing 6.1% of the carrying value of the Group CGU).

+/-1% was considered a reasonably possible change in the key assumptions listed above. Given the sensitivity analysis 
indicates that reasonable changes in the assumptions could result in a reduction to marginal headroom in the impairment 
model, it was not considered appropriate to reverse the impairments recognised in respect of Go Outdoors in previous years.

Shoe Palace
As shown in the table above, marginal changes to the assumptions could eliminate the headroom and cause the carrying 
value of the Group CGU to exceed its recoverable amount. The following further sensitivities were performed:

 – If the pre-tax discount rate increased by 1% with all other assumptions remaining unchanged, this would result in an 

impairment of £19.2 million (representing 3.5% of the carrying value of the Group CGU).

 – Reducing the short-term and long-term growth rate by 1% with all other assumptions remaining unchanged would result 

in an impairment of £18.1 million (representing 3.3% of the carrying value of the Group CGU).

 – Reducing the forecast gross profit margin rate by 1% with all other assumptions remaining unchanged would not result in 
an impairment but would reduce the headroom to £8.1 million (representing 1.5% of the carrying value of the Group CGU).

176

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202212. Intangible Assets (continued)

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives (continued)
Shoe Palace (continued) 
+/-1% was considered a reasonably possible change in the key assumptions listed above. Whilst the potential impairments as 
a result of the sensitivity analysis are material in value, they are not significant as a % of the £546.7 million carrying value of 
the Shoe Palace Group CGU. Whilst the model is sensitive to the assumptions used, there are no indicators of impairment in 
relation to the Shoe Palace intangibles since acquisition in December 2021 and Shoe Palace (along with our other businesses 
in the US) has performed well against expectations over the last financial year. We will, however, keep this under close review 
during 2022/23.

13. Property, Plant and Equipment

Owned Assets
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Where parts 
of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful economic lives, they are accounted for as separate items.

Depreciation 
Depreciation is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement over the estimated useful life of each part of an item of 
property, plant and equipment. The estimated useful economic lives are as follows:

 – Freehold land

 – Warehouse

 – not depreciated

 – 15–25 years on a straight-line basis 

 – Long leasehold and freehold properties

 – 2% per annum on a straight-line basis

 – Improvements to short leasehold properties

 – life of lease on a straight-line basis

 – Computer equipment

 – Fixtures and fittings

 – Motor vehicles

 – 3–4 years on a straight-line basis

 – 5–7 years, or length of lease if shorter, on a straight-line basis

 – 25% per annum on a reducing balance basis

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment and Non-current Other Assets
Property, plant and equipment and non-current other assets are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit is not recoverable. A cash-generating unit in these 
circumstances is an individual store (‘Store CGU’). The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less costs to sell 
and value-in-use. Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting period date for any indications 
that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates 
used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the assets carrying amount 
does not exceed the carrying amount that would be held (net of depreciation) if no impairment had been realised. 

The discount rate applied in the value-in-use calculations is a pre-tax measure based on the historical industry average 
weighted average cost of capital, with a possible debt leverage of 15% at a market interest rate of 5%. The discount rate 
applied reflects any specific risk premiums relevant to the Store CGU. These discount rates are considered to be equivalent 
to the rates a market participant would use.

Impairment charges of £7.3 million (2021: £10.1 million) relate to all classes of property, plant and equipment in Store 
CGUs which are loss making and where it is considered that the position cannot be recovered as a result of a continuing 
deterioration in the performance of the particular store. The loss is based on the specific revenue streams and costs 
attributable to the Store CGU. Assets in impaired Store CGUs are written down to their recoverable amount which is 
calculated as the greater of the fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use.

Included within the depreciation charge for the period ended 29 January 2022 is accelerated depreciation of £9.7 million 
(2021: £16.5 million) following a review of the useful economic life of certain items of property, plant and equipment and 
assets capitalised. 

177

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

13. Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)

Freehold 
land, long 
leasehold 
and freehold 
properties 
£m

Improvements 
to short 
leasehold 
properties 
£m

Assets under 
construction 
£m

Fixtures 
and fittings 
£m

Computer 
equipment 
£m

Motor 
vehicles
£m

120.4

16.6

(1.7)

11.2

0.2

–

711.6

68.9

(7.4)

(22.7)

(7.5)

(23.6)

Total 
£m

988.5

105.2

(10.4)

(69.1)

39.6

10.0

1,063.8

227.3

(29.5)

33.7

88.7

(10.1)

(39.1)

89.5

14.6

(1.2)

(14.5)

1.5

1.2

91.1

21.6

(2.5)

1.4

3.0

0.4

1.3

0.8

(0.1)

(0.8)

0.2

0.1

1.5

1.1

(0.3)

1.0

1.3

–

(5.6)

(0.7)

10.2

3.1

762.8

132.0

(20.5)

37.8

34.7

(10.6)

(30.6)

905.6

109.4

3.9

1,334.8

311.9

98.4

(4.6)

(25.9)

2.9

2.1

384.8

105.4

(16.9)

18.9

6.1

1.7

(10.9)

489.1

416.5

378.0

399.7

62.4

13.8

(1.2)

(15.7)

0.2

0.6

60.1

15.7

0.8

0.7

(0.1)

(0.4)

–

–

1.0

0.8

422.5

136.8

(6.9)

(66.6)

10.1

3.9

499.8

158.2

(2.4)

(0.2)

(24.0)

1.3

0.6

0.2

(2.5)

73.0

36.4

31.0

27.1

0.1

–

–

16.9

7.3

2.0

(0.3)

1.4

(13.9)

646.3

2.5

0.5

0.5

688.5

564.0

566.0

26.6

3.8

143.0

43.0

(5.8)

3.4

45.6

0.1

(0.3)

229.0

42.8

18.8

(1.0)

(24.7)

7.0

1.1

44.0

34.6

(4.5)

(4.6)

0.3

0.1

(0.2)

69.7

159.3

99.0

77.6

0.7

0.6

5.2

19.8

–

(10.7)

4.0

–

(1.9)

16.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

16.4

5.2

11.2

Cost

At 1 February 2020 

Additions

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Acquisitions 

Exchange differences 

At 30 January 2021 

Additions 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Acquisitions 

Exchange differences

Transfer to assets held-for-sale (Note 32)

At 29 January 2022 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 1 February 2020 

Charge for the period 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Impairments 

Exchange differences 

At 30 January 2021 

Charge for the period 

Disposals 

Reclassifications 

Impairments 

Exchange differences

Transfer to assets held-for-sale (Note 32)

At 29 January 2022 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2022

At 30 January 2021

At 1 February 2020

54.5

4.1

–

–

0.4

1.2

60.2

9.8

(0.4)

0.8

0.1

–

–

70.5

4.6

5.1

–

0.1

–

0.1

9.9

1.7

–

1.2

0.3

–

–

13.1

57.4

50.3

49.9

178

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202214. Leases

The Group adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ from 3 February 2019. IFRS 16 introduced a single, on-Balance Sheet accounting 
model for lessees. As a result, the Group, as a lessee, recognised right-of-use assets representing its rights to use the 
underlying assets and lease liabilities representing its obligation to make lease payments. The Group applied IFRS 16 
using the modified retrospective approach, under which any cumulative effect of initial application was recognised in 
retained earnings at 3 February 2019. 

Accounting Policy
The Group leases assets which consist of properties, vehicles and equipment. The most significant leases in size for the 
Group are its retail stores, offices and warehouses. Some leases include an option to renew the lease for an additional 
number of years after the end of the non-cancellable period. Some leases provide for additional rent payments that are 
based on changes in local price indices.

The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease. Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract 
conveys a right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether 
a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether the following criteria apply:

 – The contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be specified explicitly or implicitly and should be physically 

distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive 
substitution right, then the asset is not identified.

 – The Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period 

of use. 

 – The Group has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Group has this right when it has the decision-making rights that 
are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. In rare cases, the decision about how and for 
what purpose the asset is used is predetermined; the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset if either:
 – the Group has the right to operate the asset; or
 – the Group designed the asset in a way that predetermines how and for what purpose it will be used.

This policy is applied to contracts entered into, or changed, on or after 3 February 2019.

At inception, or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in 
the contract to each lease component on the basis of its relative stand-alone price. However, for the leases of land and 
buildings in which it is a lessee, the Group has elected not to separate non-lease components and accounts for the lease 
and non-lease components as a single lease component.

On transition to IFRS 16, the Group elected to apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which 
transactions are leases. It applied IFRS 16 only to contracts that were previously identified as leases. Therefore, the 
definition of a lease under IFRS 16 has been applied only to contracts entered into or changed on or after 3 February 2019.

As a Lessee
The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. Lease liabilities are measured 
at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate for the relevant 
subsidiary in which the lease represents a contractual commitment. Right-of-use assets are measured at an amount equal to 
the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments plus any initial direct costs incurred less 
any lease incentives received. 

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier 
of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. A right-of-use asset’s useful economic life is 
determined on the same basis as for land and buildings recognised in property, plant and equipment. In addition, the right-of-
use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted at the rate implicit in the lease. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily available, then payments are discounted 
using the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. 

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following:

 – fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments;
 – variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the 

commencement date; and

 – lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option and 

penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

179

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

14. Leases (continued)

Accounting Policy (continued)
As a Lessee (continued)
The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a 
change in future lease payments arising from a change in index or rate, a change in the estimate of the amount expected 
to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or as appropriate in the assessment of whether a purchase or extension 
option is reasonably certain to be exercised or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be exercised.

Where revised lease terms involve a change in the scope of a lease, or the consideration for a lease, that was not part of 
the original terms and conditions of the lease, then these changes are accounted for as a lease modification. Any revised 
consideration and/or revised lease length are taken into account in a remeasurement calculation that includes a revised 
discount rate at the effective date of the modification of terms. The revised discount rate is determined as the lessee’s 
incremental borrowing rate at the effective date of the modification.

The Group has applied judgement to determine the lease term for some lease contracts in which it is a lessee that include 
renewal options. The assessment of whether the Group is reasonably certain to exercise such options impacts the lease term, 
which significantly affects the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognised.

When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-
use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

The Group has also applied judgement to determine the lease term for some lease contracts in which it is a lessee that either 
have no specified end date, or where the Group continues to occupy the property despite the contractual lease end date 
having passed. In determining the lease term, the Group takes into consideration its commercial strategy on a store by store 
basis and the future intentions of the Group regarding the duration of continuing occupation of the property. 

The Group presents right-of-use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property separately on the face of the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The Group presents lease liabilities separately within the statement of financial 
position.

Short-term Leases and Leases of Low-value Assets
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 
12 months or less and leases of low-value assets, including IT equipment. The Group recognises the lease payments associated 
with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

As a Lessor
The Group sub-leases a small number of properties. When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease inception whether 
each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease. 

To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers substantially all of the risks 
and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is 
an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Group considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the 
major part of the economic life of the asset.

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. 
It assesses the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not 
with reference to the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short-term lease to which the Group applies the exemption 
described above, then it classifies the sub-lease as an operating lease.

The Group recognises lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term 
as part of ‘other income’. 

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, the sub-leases are classified with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from 
the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset.

The Group as a Lessee
The Group leases many assets, including land and buildings, vehicles, machinery and IT equipment. Information about leases 
for which the Group is a lessee is presented below.

The carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is as follows:

Right-of-use assets

180

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

2,032.6

1,752.4

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202214. Leases (continued)

Right-of-use assets

Cost

At 1 February 2020

Additions

Additions – on acquisition

Disposals

Remeasurement adjustments

Foreign exchange retranslation

At 30 January 2021

Additions

Additions – on acquisition

Transfer to assets held-for-sale (Note 32)

Disposals

Remeasurement adjustments

Reclassifications

Foreign exchange retranslation

At 29 January 2022

Depreciation and impairment 

At 1 February 2020

Depreciation charge for the period

Depreciation on disposals

Impairment of right-of-use assets

At 30 January 2021

Depreciation charge for the period

Transfer to assets held-for-sale (Note 32)

Depreciation on disposals

Impairment of right-of-use assets

Foreign exchange retranslation

At 29 January 2022

Net book value

At 29 January 2022

At 30 January 2021

At 1 February 2020

Property 
£m

Vehicles 
£m

Total
£m

2,158.9

211.6

143.2

(203.8)

8.2

22.3

2,340.4

520.2

271.6

 (125.0)

(42.8)

2.0

(1.7)

(55.1)

2,909.6

309.2

317.2

(32.2)

3.4

597.6

355.5

(47.2)

(14.3)

3.1

(14.2)

880.5

2,029.1

1,742.8

1,849.7

6.3

3.3

–

2,165.2

214.9

143.2

(0.2)

(204.0)

6.2

0.1

15.7

1.8

0.1

(1.5)

(6.0)

16.1

(16.0)

–

10.2

1.9

4.2

–

–

6.1

2.7

(0.8)

(1.3)

–

–

6.7

3.5

9.6

4.4

14.4

22.4

2,356.1

522.0

271.7

(126.5)

(48.8)

18.1

(17.7)

(55.1)

2,919.8

311.1

321.4

(32.2)

3.4

603.7

358.2

(48.0)

(15.6)

3.1

(14.2)

887.2

2,032.6

1,752.4

1,854.1

Lease modifications have been accounted for by remeasuring the right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability for 
any change in lease length and total consideration, recalculating using a revised discount rate of the lessee’s incremental 
borrowing rate at the effective date of the modification. Other remeasurement adjustments to the right-of-use asset 
predominantly relate to deferred income and rolling leases. Valuation of the Group’s rolling leases as at 29 January 2022 
is £37.1 million (2021: £31.4 million).

Impairment of Right-of-use Assets
For impairment testing purposes, the Group has determined that each store is a separate Store CGU. Each Store CGU is 
tested for impairment at the balance sheet date if any indicators of impairment have been identified. 

Right-of-use assets have been tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of each Store CGU with its 
recoverable amount determined from value-in-use calculations.

181

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

14. Leases (continued)

Right-of-use assets (continued)
Impairment of Right-of-use Assets (continued)
The value-in-use of each Store CGU has been calculated using discounted cash flows derived from the Group’s latest Board 
approved budget, taking into account the projected impact of future sales growth, and reflects historic performance and 
knowledge of the current market, together with the Group’s views on the future achievable growth. Cash flows beyond the 
budget period are extrapolated using growth rates appropriate to each store’s location. Cash flows have been included for 
the remaining lease life for the specific store.

The key assumptions on which the forecast cash flows of the Store CGUs are based include revenue and the pre-tax discount 
rate. Other assumptions in the model relate to gross margin, cost inflation and longer-term growth rates.

The pre-tax discount rates are derived from the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, which has been calculated using the 
capital asset pricing model, the inputs of which include the risk-free rate, equity risk premium, Group size premium and a risk 
adjustment (beta). 

Where the value-in-use was less than the carrying value of the Store CGU, an impairment of property, plant and equipment 
and right-of-use assets was recorded. The Group has recognised an impairment charge of £3.1m to right-of-use assets as a 
result of impairment testing.

Lease Liabilities
The Group presents lease liabilities separately within the Statement of Financial Position. The carrying amount of the lease 
liability as at 29 January 2022 is below, along with a maturity analysis of contractual undiscounted cash flows to which the 
Group is committed. As at 29 January 2022, the weighted average discount rate applied to the lease portfolio of the Group 
is 2.8% (2021: 3.1%).

Maturity analysis – contractual undiscounted cash flows

Within one year

Later than one year and not later than two years

Later than two years and not later than three years

Later than three years and not later than four years

Later than four years and not later than five years

After five years

Total undiscounted lease liabilities

Current

Non-current 

Lease liabilities included in the Statement of Financial Position

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

409.6

385.4

332.4

284.3

241.1

823.7

355.3

326.9

303.5

257.3

216.5

713.5

2,476.5

2,173.0

2022 
£m

379.0

1,863.9

2,242.9

2021 
£m

301.8

1,628.0

1,929.8

Lease liabilities held at 29 January 2022 are stated after reclassifying £82.0 million of lease liabilities to liabilities held-for-sale 
– see Note 32. 

Amounts recognised in the Statement of Cash Flows and their categorisation are below:

Repayments of principal portion of lease liability

(Cash flows from financing activities)

Interest on lease liabilities

(Cash flows from operating activities)

Expenses relating to short-term leases and low-value leases

Variable lease payments

Total cash outflow for leases

(Net operating costs)

(Net operating costs)

182

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

350.1

59.5

9.5

86.6

505.7

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

285.2

54.9

3.9

37.9

381.9

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202214. Leases (continued)

Amounts recognised in profit or loss:

Interest on lease liabilities 

Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liabilities

Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets

Expenses relating to short-term leases and low-value leases

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

59.5

86.6

0.5

9.5

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

54.9

37.9

0.8

3.9

Property Leases
The Group leases buildings for its office space, retail stores and warehouses. These leases typically run for a period of 10 
years. Some leases include an option to renew the lease for an additional number of years after the end of the non-cancellable 
period. Some require the Group to make payments that relate to the property taxes levied on the lessor and insurance 
payments made by the lessor. 

Some properties leased by the Group provide for additional rent payments that are based on changes in local price indices 
or sales that the Group makes at the leased store in the period. In respect of contracts linked to store sales, initial recognition 
of the lease liability is measured at the present value of the minimum lease payments specified in the contract excluding the 
element linked to sales, since the variable element of these payments is not based on an index or rate. Where the variable 
element of the payments is based on an index or rate, initial and subsequent measurement of the lease liability includes 
these index linked payments.

The Group sub-leases some of its properties under operating leases.

Other Leases
The Group leases vehicles and equipment (including IT equipment) with lease terms of three to five years. Leases of equipment 
are of low-value items, therefore the Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for these leases.

The Group as a Lessor
The Group leases out residential and office properties. The Group has classified these leases as operating leases, because 
they do not transfer substantially all the risk and rewards incidental to the ownership of the assets. Lease income from lease 
contracts in which the Group acts as a lessor amounted to £0.5 million (2021: £0.8 million).

15. Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

Interest in associates 

Interest in joint venture 

2022
£m

28.2 

28.0

56.2 

2021
£m

2.7 

– 

2.7 

Accounting Policy
The Group’s interests in equity-accounted investees comprise interests in associates and interests in joint ventures. Associates  
are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over the financial and operating 
policies. A joint venture is an arrangement in which the Group has joint control over the financial and operating policies.

Interests in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognised at cost. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the Group’s share of the profit or loss 
and other comprehensive income of equity-accounted investees, until the date on which significant influence or joint 
control ceases.

Associates
The Group has an equity interest in a number of associates including a material interest in Applied Nutrition Limited 
(‘Applied Nutrition’). On 7 May 2021, the Group acquired a 32% ownership interest in, and has significant influence over, 
Applied Nutrition, an online sports nutrition brand.

183

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

15. Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (continued)

Associates (continued)
The following table summarises the financial information of Applied Nutrition and reconciles the summarised financial 
information to the carrying amount of the Group’s interest in Applied Nutrition.

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets (100%)

Group's share of net assets (32%)

Elimination of unrealised profit on downstream sales

Goodwill and other intangibles

Carrying amount of interest in associate

Revenue for the period from acquisition to 29 January 2022

Profit and total comprehensive income from acquisition to 29 January 2022 (100%)

Group's share of total comprehensive income (32%)

Dividends received by the Group

2022
£m

0.7

15.7

(6.3)

(0.7)

9.4 

3.0 

–

21.9

 24.9 

21.7

 4.3 

 1.4 

6.0

2021
£m

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Joint Ventures
The Group has an equity interest in a number of joint ventures, including an interest in Gym King (Holdings) Limited and its 
subsidiaries (together ‘Gym King’). On 10 May 2021, the Group acquired a 40% ownership in and has joint control over Gym 
King, an athleisure brand and one of the Group’s suppliers. The Group determined there was joint control following a review of 
the shareholders’ agreement which requires consent from all shareholders when directing the relevant activities of Gym King.

The following table summarises the financial information of Gym King and reconciles the summarised financial information 
to the carrying amount of the Group’s interest in Gym King.

Non-current assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Net assets (100%)

Group’s share of net assets (40%)

Elimination of unrealised profit on downstream sales

Goodwill and other intangibles

Carrying amount of interest in joint venture

Revenue

Profit and total comprehensive income (100%)

Group's share of total comprehensive income (40%)

Dividends received by the Group

2022
£m

0.2

13.6

(4.6)

–

9.2 

3.7 

–

19.5

23.2 

21.4

 1.2 

0.5

–

2021
£m

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

The Group also has interests in a number of immaterial associates and joint ventures. The following table analyses, in 
aggregate, the carrying amount and share of profit and other comprehensive income of these associates and joint ventures.

Carrying amount of interests in these associates and joint ventures

Share of profit and other comprehensive income

Dividends received by the Group

184

2022
£m

8.1

1.3

0.9

2021
£m

2.7

–

– 

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202216. Non-current Other Assets

Key Money
Monies paid in certain countries to give access to retail locations are capitalised within non-current assets. Key money 
is stated at historic cost less impairment losses. These assets are not depreciated as past experience has shown that the 
key money is recoverable on disposal of a retail location and is deemed to have an indefinite useful economic life but 
will be impaired if evidence exists that the market value is less than the historic cost. Gains/losses on key money from 
the subsequent disposal of these retail locations are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Deposits
Money paid in certain countries as deposits to store landlords as protection against non-payment of rent is capitalised within 
non-current assets. Deposits are assessed for recoverability on leased stores on a practical basis and a provision for the 
impairment of these deposits is established when there is objective evidence that the landlord will not repay the deposit in full.

Cost 

At 1 February 2020 

Additions 

Disposals 

Acquisitions 

Reclassifications

Exchange differences

At 30 January 2021 

Additions 

Disposals 

Acquisitions 

Reclassifications

Exchange differences

At 29 January 2022 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 1 February 2020 

Exchange differences 

At 30 January 2021 

Charge for period

Disposals

Reclassifications

Impairments

At 29 January 2022 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2022 

At 30 January 2021

At 1 February 2020

Key Money 
£m

Deposits 
£m

23.0

0.4

(0.1)

–

–

0.2

23.5

0.3

(0.2)

0.1

(0.8)

–

22.9

1.5

(0.2)

1.3

0.1

(0.2)

(0.2)

3.0

4.0

18.9

22.2

21.5

26.5

3.5

(2.1)

0.6

0.2

12.4

41.1

5.4

(6.6)

2.6

(0.4)

(3.9)

38.2

0.1

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

0.1

38.1

41.0

26.4

Total
£m

49.5

3.9

(2.2)

0.6

0.2

12.6

64.6

5.7

(6.8)

2.7

(1.2)

(3.9)

61.1

1.6

(0.2)

1.4

0.1

(0.2)

(0.2)

3.0

4.1

57.0

63.2

47.9

185

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

17. Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the weighted average principle. Provisions  
are made for obsolescence, mark downs and shrinkage. An element of supplier rebates is deferred into inventory and released 
on a straight-line basis over the six-month period following the financial year-end as the related inventory is sold.

Finished goods and goods for resale

2022 
£m

989.4

2021 
£m

813.7

The cost of inventories recognised as expenses and included in cost of sales for the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2022 was 
£4,355.0 million (2021: £3,205.7 million).

The Group had £91.5 million (2021: £89.0 million) of stock provisions at the end of the period. Cost of inventories includes 
a net charge of £16.7 million (2021: £21.7 million) in relation to net provisions recognised against inventories. £23.3 million 
of the inventory provision was utilised during the period against the write down of inventory (2021: £16.7 million). 
There were no reversals of inventory write downs in either the current or prior period.

Included within inventories is £2.4 million of deferred supplier rebates (2021: £1.6 million).

At the period end, net inventories of £27.0 million (2021: £nil) were transferred to assets held-for-sale. Further information 
is provided in Note 32. 

18. Trade and Other Receivables

Credit Risk
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. However, 
management also considers the factors that may influence the credit risk of its customer base, including the default risk 
associated with the industry and country in which customers operate. 

The trade receivables balances are typically held by the wholesale businesses within the Group. Each subsidiary establishes 
a credit policy under which each new customer is analysed individually for creditworthiness before the payment and delivery 
terms and conditions are offered. The Group review includes financial statements, credit agency information and industry 
information. Each subsidiary limits its credit exposure by setting payment periods and, in certain circumstances, these are 
approved by Group management. 

Customers are monitored by taking into account their credit characteristics; whether they are a wholesale or retail customer, 
their geographic location, industry, trading history with the Group and existence of previous financial difficulties. 

Expected Credit Loss Assessment
Each subsidiary within the Group allocates each exposure to a credit risk grade based on the data that is determined to be 
predictive of the risk of loss (including but not limited to external ratings, audited financial statements, management accounts 
and available press information about customers) and by applying experienced credit judgement. 

An allowance matrix is used to measure the expected credit losses (‘ECLs’) of trade receivables from smaller customers, which 
comprise a very large number of small balances. Loss rates are based on actual credit loss experience over the past five years, 
factoring in other information such as current conditions, age of the customer relationship and the view of the economic 
conditions over the expected lives of the receivables. 

The Group recognises loss allowances for ECLs on financial assets measured at amortised cost and measures the loss 
allowances at an amount equal to the lifetime ECLs for trade receivables.

186

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202218. Trade and Other Receivables (continued)

Current assets 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

A summary of the Group’s exposure to credit risk for trade receivables is as follows:

Not past due

Past due 0–30 days

Past due 30–60 days

Past due 60 days +

Gross
£m

44.0

6.3

2.5

5.9

58.7

2022

Provision
£m

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(1.7)

(2.1)

Net
£m

43.8

6.2

2.4

4.2

56.6

Gross
£m

21.7

10.0

7.6

8.2

47.5

2022 
£m

56.6

33.7

112.6

202.9

2021

Provision
£m

(0.2)

–

(0.1)

(1.0)

(1.3)

At 29 January 2022, the exposure to credit risk for trade receivables by geographic region was as follows:

UK

Europe

US

Rest of world

Total

As at 
29 January 
2022
Total 
£m

22.4

24.7

5.5

6.1

58.7

At 29 January 2022, the exposure to credit risk for trade receivables by type of counter-party was as follows:

Wholesale customers

Retail customers

End user customers

Other

Total

As at 
29 January 
2022
Total 
£m

30.3

9.3

7.0

12.1

58.7

2021 
£m

46.2

26.0

69.0

141.2

Net
£m

21.5

10.0

7.5

7.2

46.2

As at  
30 January  

2021
Total
£m

20.8

19.6

4.0

3.1

47.5

As at  
30 January  

2021
Total
£m

22.6

7.3

8.5

9.1

47.5

At 29 January 2022, the carrying amount of the Group’s most significant customer was £5.6 million (2021: £5.0 million).

Included within the £12.1 million ‘Other’ are supplier rebates totalling £3.2 million (2021: £5.4 million).

187

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

18. Trade and Other Receivables (continued)

The following table provides information about the exposure to credit risk and expected credit losses for trade receivables as 
at 29 January 2022:

As at 29 January 2022

Not past due

Past due 0–30 days

Past due 30–60 days

Past due 61–90 days

More than 90 days past due

Total

Movement on this provision is shown below:

At 1 February 2020 

Created 

Released 

At 30 January 2021

Created 

Released 

At 29 January 2022

Weighted 
average loss 
rate
£m

Gross  
carrying  
amount
£m

Loss  

allowance
£m

Credit  

impaired
£m

0.5%

1.6%

4.0%

–

48.6%

3.6%

44.0

6.3

2.5

2.4

3.5

58.7

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.1)

–

(1.7)

(2.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

1.3

0.1

(0.1)

1.3

1.3

(0.5)

2.1

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

19. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, uncleared credit card receipts and call deposits with an original maturity 
of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, as these are used as an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

Cash at bank and in hand

20. Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings

2022 
£m

1,314.0

2021 
£m

964.4

Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Following the initial 
recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value 
being recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Current liabilities

Bank loans and overdrafts

Other loans

Non-current liabilities

Bank loans

2022 
£m

72.6

–

72.6

55.5

2021 
£m

52.0

68.9

120.9

48.1

The following provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings. 
For more information about the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk, see Note 21.

188

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202220. Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings (continued) 

Bank Facilities 
As at 29 January 2022, the Group had a syndicated committed £700 million bank facility expiring on 6 November 2026, 
which was recently extended for a period of two years with no changes to existing terms (previous expiry 6 November 2024). 
The Group is subject to covenants on Net Worth, Net Debt Leverage and a Fixed Charge Cover. Under this facility, a maximum 
of 15 draw downs can be outstanding at any time, with draw downs made for a period of one, two, three or six months, with 
interest currently payable at a rate of SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average) plus a margin of 0.9% (2021: LIBOR plus 
a margin of 0.9%). The arrangement and underwriting fee payable on the facility is 1.0% and the commitment fee on the 
undrawn element of the facility is 35% of the applicable margin rate. 

Following the financial crisis, the reform and replacement of benchmark interest rates such as GBP LIBOR and other interbank 
offered rates (‘IBORs’) became a priority for global regulators. LIBOR fixings relevant to the Group were no longer representative 
after 31 December 2021, which created a requirement for the Group’s contracts which referenced LIBOR to use an alternative 
benchmark rate. The Group’s most significant risk exposure affected by these LIBOR changes relates to its syndicated committed 
bank facility. The reference rate for borrowings made under this facility was amended to SONIA from 22 December 2021. 
As at 29 January 2022, this facility encompassed cross guarantees between the Company, Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited, 
Tessuti Limited, Go Outdoors Retail Limited, The Finish Line Inc, The Finish Line USA Inc, Genesis Holdings Inc, Genesis 
Topco Inc, Shoe Palace Corporation, Terminus Bidco Inc, DTLR Villa LLC, Genesis Finco Limited, Focus Brands Limited 
and Focus International Limited. 

At 29 January 2022, £nil was drawn down on this facility (2021: £nil).

The Group’s second principal bank facility is a syndicated Asset Based Lending Facility in the US, which has a maximum 
revolving advance amount of approximately $300 million and expires on 24 September 2026 (2021: $300 million). 
At 29 January 2022, $nil was drawn down on this facility (2021: $nil).

Bank Loans and Overdrafts
The bank loans and overdrafts attract interest rates at 0.4%–8.2%. The overdrafts are repayable on demand and the bank 
loans are repayable over periods between two and 70 months. Included within bank loans and overdrafts are bank loans of 
£94.5 million (2021: £84.4 million) and overdrafts of £33.6 million (2021: £15.7 million). The maturity of the bank loans and 
overdrafts is as follows:

Within one year 

Between one and five years

Due in more than five years 

2022 
£m

72.6

53.4

2.1

128.1

2021 
£m

52.0

48.1

–

100.1

Other Loans
Other loans of less than one year which existed in the year ended 30 January 2021 is the deferred consideration payable in 
relation to the acquisition of Shoe Palace Corporation (see Note 11). The deferred consideration was repaid during the year 
ended 29 January 2022.

The maturity of the other loans is as follows:

Less than one year

2022 
£m

–

2021 
£m

68.9

Finance Leases
As at 29 January 2022 and 30 January 2021, the Group’s liabilities under finance leases are included in Leases (see Note 14).

189

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

21. Financial Instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are de-recognised when the contractual 
rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or are transferred. Financial liabilities are de-recognised when the 
obligation specified in the contract is discharged, is cancelled or expires.

Financial Assets
The Group’s financial assets are non-derivative and derivative financial assets. The non-derivative assets have fixed or 
determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. The Group’s financial assets comprise ‘Trade receivables’ 
and ‘Cash and cash equivalents’ in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise short-term cash deposits with major clearing banks earning floating rates of interest 
based upon bank base rates or rates linked to SONIA and EURIBOR. 

The currency profile of cash and cash equivalents is shown below:

2022 
£m

1,314.0

497.0

330.3

402.5

37.7

5.7

7.5

33.3

1,314.0

2022 
£m

56.6

22.5

19.4

9.0

5.7

56.6

2021 
£m

964.4

378.7

306.8

212.2

30.2

7.1

6.1

23.3

964.4

2021 
£m

46.2

20.6

17.7

5.1

2.8

46.2

Cash and cash equivalents 

Sterling 

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

Danish Krone 

Singapore Dollars 

Other 

Total

The currency profile of trade receivables is shown below:

Trade receivables 

Sterling 

Euros 

US Dollars 

Other 

Total

190

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202221. Financial Instruments (continued)

Financial Liabilities
The Group’s financial liabilities are all categorised as other financial liabilities. Other financial liabilities, with the exception 
of foreign exchange forward contracts and put option liabilities, are measured at amortised cost. The Group’s other financial 
liabilities comprise ‘Interest-bearing loans and borrowings’ and ‘Trade payables’.

The currency profile of interest-bearing loans and borrowings is shown below:

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Sterling

Euros 

Polish Zloty

US Dollars 

Other 

Total

The currency profile of trade payables is shown below:

Trade payables 

Sterling 

Euros 

US Dollars 

Australian Dollars 

Polish Zloty 

Canadian Dollars 

Other 

Total

2022 
£m

128.1

5.8

100.3

20.2

–

1.8

128.1

2022 
£m

526.6

206.4

136.3

130.4

14.5

25.6

3.3

10.1

2021 
£m

169.0

15.9

78.5

–

68.9

5.7

169.0

2021 
£m

514.2

241.6

114.5

142.1

11.9

–

1.2

2.9

526.6

514.2

Risk Management
The Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in exchange rates, interest 
rates, credit risk and its liquidity position. The Group manages these risks through the use of derivative instruments, which are 
reviewed on a regular basis. Derivative instruments are not entered into for speculative purposes. There are no concentrations 
of risk in the period to 29 January 2022.

Interest Rate Risk
The Group finances its operations by a mixture of retained profits and bank borrowings. The Group’s borrowings are at 
floating rates, partially hedged by floating rate interest on deposits, reflecting the seasonality of its cash flow. Interest  
rate risk therefore arises from bank borrowings. Interest rate hedging has not been put in place on the current facility. 
The Directors continue to be mindful of the potential volatility in base rates, but at present do not consider a long-term 
interest rate hedge to be necessary given the inherent short-term nature of both the revolving credit facility and working 
capital facility. This position is reviewed regularly, along with the level of facility required.

The Group has potential bank floating rate financial liabilities on the £700 million committed bank facility, together with 
overdraft facilities in subsidiary companies (see Note 20). At 29 January 2022, £nil was drawn down from the committed 
bank facility (2021: £nil). When draw downs are made, the Group is exposed to cash flow interest risk with interest paid 
at a rate of SONIA plus a margin of 0.9% (2021: LIBOR plus a margin of 0.9%).

A change of 1.0% in the average interest rates during the year, applied to the Group’s floating interest rate loans and 
borrowings as at the reporting date, would change profit before tax by £0.2 million (2021: £nil) and would change equity 
by £0.2 million (2021: £nil). The calculation is based on any floating interest rate loans and borrowings drawn down at 
the period end date. Calculations are performed on the same basis as the prior year and assume that all other variables 
remain unchanged.

191

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

21. Financial Instruments (continued)

Foreign Currency Risk
Foreign Currency Translation
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the 
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange 
at the reporting date. Exchange differences in monetary items are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using 
the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations are translated into Sterling at the rate 
of exchange at the reporting date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the accounting 
period. Foreign currency differences are recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and are presented in the foreign 
currency translation reserve.

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from 
operational activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments 
for trading purposes. However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value and remeasured at each period end. The gain or loss on 
remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Interest rate swaps are recognised at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position with movements in fair 
value recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement for the period. The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated 
amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the reporting date, taking into account current interest 
rates and the respective risk profiles of the swap counter-parties.

Hedging of Monetary Assets and Liabilities
Where a derivative financial instrument is used to hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised monetary asset or 
liability, no hedge accounting is applied and any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement.

The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than Pound 
Sterling. The currencies giving rise to this risk are the Euro and US Dollar, with sales made in Euros and purchases made in 
both Euros and US Dollars (principal exposure). To protect its foreign currency position, the Group sets a buying rate in each 
country for the purchase of goods in US Dollars at the start of the buying season (typically six to nine months before the 
product actually starts to appear in the stores) and then enters into a number of local currency/US Dollar contracts whereby 
the minimum exchange rate on the purchase of Dollars is guaranteed.

As at 29 January 2022, options have been entered into to protect approximately 76% of the US Dollar trading requirement 
for the period to January 2023. The balance of any US Dollar requirement for the period will be satisfied at spot rates. 

As at 29 January 2022, the fair value of these instruments was a net asset of £16.3 million (2021: net liability of £20.7 million). 
£15.7 million is due within one year and the remaining £0.6 million is due between one and two years (split as £2.5 million 
non-current asset and £1.9 million non-current liabilities). A gain of £37.0 million (2021: loss of £31.5 million) has been 
recognised in cost of sales within the Consolidated Income Statement for the change in fair value of these instruments.

We have considered the credit risk of the Group’s and counter-party’s credit risk and this is not expected to have a material 
effect on the valuation of these options.

A 10.0% strengthening of Sterling relative to the following currencies as at the reporting date would have reduced profit 
before tax and equity as follows:

Euros

US Dollars

Australian Dollars

Other

192

Profit before tax

Equity

2022
£m

2.8

17.9

0.7

0.7

22.1

2021 
£m

4.5

6.6

0.5

0.8

12.4

2022
£m

32.7

126.5

2.8

3.2

165.2

2021 
£m

23.6

67.5

2.1

2.8

96.0

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202221. Financial Instruments (continued)

Foreign Currency Risk (continued)
Hedging of Monetary Assets and Liabilities (continued)
A 10.0% weakening of Sterling relative to the following currencies as at the reporting date would have increased profit before 
tax and equity as follows:

Euros

US Dollars

Australian Dollars

Other

Profit before tax

Equity

2022
£m

3.5

21.9

0.9

0.8

27.1

2021 
£m

5.4

8.1

0.7

1.0

15.2

2022
£m

40.0

154.6

3.5

3.9

202.0

2021 
£m

29.2

82.5

2.5

3.4

117.6

Calculations are performed on the same basis as the prior year and the method assumes that all other variables remain unchanged.

Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from the possibility of customers and counter-parties failing to meet their obligations to the Group. 
Investments of cash surpluses, borrowings and derivative instruments are made through major clearing banks, which 
must meet minimum credit ratings as required by the Board.

All customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. Receivable balances are 
monitored on an ongoing basis and a provision is made for impairment where amounts are not thought to be recoverable 
(see Note 18). At the reporting date there were no significant concentrations of credit risk and receivables which are not 
impaired are believed to be recoverable.

The Group considers its maximum exposure to credit risk to be equivalent to total trade and other receivables of £90.3 million 
(2021: £72.2 million) and cash and cash equivalents of £1,314.0 million (2021: £964.4 million).

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities 
that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group manages its cash and borrowing requirement to 
minimise net interest expense, whilst ensuring that the Group has sufficient liquid resources to meet the operating needs 
of the business. 

The forecast cash and borrowing profile of the Group is monitored on an ongoing basis, to ensure that adequate headroom 
remains under committed borrowing facilities. Management aims to ensure there is headroom of at least £200 million in 
relation to the £700 million syndicated committed facility and $75 million in relation to the $300 million Asset Based 
Lending Facility in the US. The Board reviews 13 week and annual cash flow forecasts each month. See Note 20 for the 
overdraft facilities available to the Group. The commitment fee on these facilities is 0.35% (2021: 0.35%).

The following are the remaining contractual maturities of financial liabilities at the reporting date. The amounts are gross and 
undiscounted and exclude the impact of netting agreements. 

Non-derivative financial instruments 

Bank loans and overdrafts 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments 

Put options 

Forward contracts 

2022 
£m

0–3 months 
£m

3–12 months
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–5 years 
£m

> 5 years
£m

128.1

1,145.5

2,476.5

1,307.3

5.0

5,062.4

47.4

860.0

102.4

–

3.0

25.2

285.5

307.2

6.5

–

1,012.8

624.4

23.5

–

385.4

88.8

2.0

499.7

29.9

–

857.8

2.1

–

823.7

654.0

558.0

–

–

1,541.7

1,383.8

193

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

21. Financial Instruments (continued)

Fair Values
The fair values together with the carrying amounts shown in the Statement of Financial Position as at 29 January 2022 are 
as follows:

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – current 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – non-current 

Trade and other payables – current 

Trade and other payables – non-current 

Unrecognised gains 

The comparatives at 30 January 2021 are as follows:

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – current 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – non-current 

Trade and other payables – current 

Trade and other payables – non-current 

Unrecognised gains 

Note

18

19

20

20

Note

18

19

20

20

Carrying 
amount  
2022
£m

90.3

1,314.0

(72.6)

(55.5)

(1,147.1)

(773.5)

(644.4)

Carrying 
amount  

2021
£m

72.2

964.4

(120.9)

(48.1)

(976.6)

(374.4)

(483.4)

Fair value  

2022
£m

90.3

1,314.0

(72.6)

(43.5)

(1,147.1)

(773.5)

(632.4)

12.0

Fair value  

2021
£m

72.2

964.4

(120.9)

(41.2)

(976.6)

(374.4)

(476.5)

6.9

In the opinion of the Board, the fair value of the Group’s current financial assets and liabilities as at 29 January 2022 and 
30 January 2021 are not considered to be materially different to that of the book value. On this basis, the fair value hierarchy 
reflects the carrying values. In respect of the Group’s non-current financial assets and liabilities as at 29 January 2022 and 
30 January 2021, the fair value has been calculated using a pre-tax discount rate of 8.4% (2021: 8.1%) which reflects the 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the specific risks applicable to the liability.

Estimation of Fair Values
For trade and other receivables/payables, the notional amount is deemed to reflect the fair value.

Fair Value Hierarchy
As at 29 January 2022, the Group held the following financial instruments carried at fair value on the Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position:

 – Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged
 – Put and call option

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments 
by valuation technique:

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either 
directly or indirectly.

Level 3: techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable 
market data.

194

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202221. Financial Instruments (continued)

Fair Value Hierarchy (continued)

At 29 January 2022

Loans and receivables 

Deposits 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 

Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged 

Other financial liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – current 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – non-current 

Put options held by non-controlling interests 

At 30 January 2021

Loans and receivables 

Deposits 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 

Foreign exchange forward contracts – non-hedged 

Other financial liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – current 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – non-current 

Put options held by non-controlling interests 

Carrying 
amount
£m

38.1

1,314.0

21.3

(5.0)

(72.6)

(55.5)

(764.7)

Carrying 
amount
£m

41.0

964.4

(20.7)

(120.9)

(48.1)

(365.9)

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

38.1

1,314.0

21.3

(5.0)

(72.6)

(55.5)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(764.7)

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

41.0

964.4

(20.7)

(120.9)

(48.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(365.9)

22. Trade and Other Payables

Trade and other payables are non-interest-bearing and are stated at their cost. 

Current liabilities 

Trade payables 

Other payables and accrued expenses 

Refund liabilities

Other tax and social security costs 

Non-current liabilities 

Other payables and accrued expenses 

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

526.6

594.8

27.2

130.9

1,279.5

514.2

463.0

–

124.8

1,102.0

775.4

374.4

195

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

22. Trade and Other Payables (continued)

Put and Call Options
Put and call options are in place relating to the remaining shares in partly-owned businesses within the Group. All call options 
held by the Group are in conjunction with put options. 

Put options held by non-controlling interests are accounted for using the present access method. The Group recognises put 
options held by non-controlling interests in its subsidiary undertakings as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position at the present value of the estimated exercise price of the put option. The present value of the non-controlling interests’ 
put options is estimated using Board approved forecasts multiplied by an earnings multiple. The option formula and multiple 
are usually stated in the put option agreement; however, in the absence of a specified formula or multiple, we would estimate 
this based on current evidence in the Mergers & Acquisitions market and our past experience of multiples paid for similar 
businesses. The range of multiples used across the put options at 29 January 2022 is 4.0–10.0. These forecast cash flows are 
discounted using a discount rate reflecting the current market assessment of the time value of money and any specific risk 
premiums relevant to the individual businesses involved. These discount rates are considered to be equivalent to the rates 
a market participant would use. Upon initial recognition of put options a corresponding entry is made to Other Equity, and for 
subsequent changes on remeasurement of the liability the corresponding entry is made to Exceptional Items in the Income 
Statement. As the Group has recognised the liability for the put option, the related call options to acquire the same non-
controlling interest are valued at £Nil.

Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity analysis was performed over the key variable inputs to the valuation of the following put options. The key variable 
inputs were determined to be the discount rate and approved forecasts. 1% was determined to be a reasonable variance to 
demonstrate the sensitivity of the put option valuation to the key inputs used. With reference to the Iberian Sports Retail 
Group put option, a multiple is not stated in the agreement and is therefore also a key variable input that is estimated. 
Sensitivity analysis has also been performed over this estimate:

Iberian Sports Retail Group Put Option
A discount rate increase of 1% would result in a reduction in the put option liability of £1.4 million and an increase of 1% to 
the forecast EBITDA % would result in an increase in the put option liability of £13.5 million. An increase of one in terms 
of the estimated multiple used would result in an increase in the put option liability of £18.5 million.

Genesis Topco Put Option
A discount rate increase of 1% would result in a reduction in the put option liability of £23.5 million and an increase of 1% 
to the forecast EBITDA % would result in an increase in the put option liability of £31.3 million. 

Marketing Investment Group S.A. Put Option
A discount rate increase of 1% would result in a reduction in the put option liability of £3.0 million and an increase of 1% 
to the forecast EBITDA % would result in an increase in the put option liability of £8.0 million. 

Put Option Liability

At 30 January 2021

Acquisitions

Increase in the present value of 
the existing option liability

At 29 January 2022

Iberian Sports 
Retail Group 
£m

Genesis Topco 
Inc 
£m

Marketing 
Investment 
Group S.A.
£m

Other 
£m

Total Put 
Options 
£m

87.4

–

31.6

119.0

261.6

–

258.7

520.3

–

50.2

1.7

51.9

16.9

55.9

0.7

73.5

365.9

106.1

292.7

764.7

Other put option liabilities held at 29 January 2022 are in respect of the following subsidiary undertakings: 

Options held since 30 January 2021 and prior, total £17.0 million: Source Lab Limited £0.1 million (2021: £0.1 million), JD 
Germany GmbH £0.5 million (2021: £1.7 million), JD Sports Gyms Limited £5.2 million (2021: £2.8 million), Dantra Limited 
£0.2 million (2021: £0.5 million), Base Childrenswear Limited £0.2 million (2021: £0.1 million), Tessuti Limited £3.9 million 
(2021: £1.1 million), Catchbest Limited £1.1 million (2021: £1.1 million), Mainline Menswear Holdings Limited £5.6 million 
(£6.0 million), JDSF Holdings (Canada) Inc. £0.1 million (2021: £3.4 million), Oi Polloi Limited £0.1 million (2021: £0.1 million). 

Options relating to acquisitions in the year ended 29 January 2022, total £56.5 million: 80s Casual Classics Limited 
£4.1 million, DTLR Villa LLC £5.1 million, Uggbugg Fashion Limited £1.5 million, Marshall Artist Holdings Limited £1.5 million, 
Wheelbase Lakeland Limited £4.2 million, Bodytone International Sport S.L. £11.3 million, Deporvillage S.L. £11.7 million, 
Hairburst Holding Group Limited £6.2 million, Cosmos Sport £10.9 million. 

196

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Recognised as a liability

Short-term 
EBITDA 
growth 
assumptions

Discount 
rate 
applied

At 29 
January 
2022
£m

At 30 
January 
2021
£m

6%

10.3%

119.0

87.4

Maximum 
price

The option 
price 
shall not 
exceed 
£332 million.

22. Trade and Other Payables (continued) 

Put and Call Options (continued)

Company

Options in existence

Exercise periods

Methodology

Iberian 
Sports 
Retail 
Group

The option price 
is calculated 
based on the 
equity value 
plus the 
outstanding 
loans or 
financing 
provided by the 
option holder 
with unpaid 
interest accrued.

First put option 
whereby JD Sports 
Fashion Plc may be 
required to acquire 
70% of the option 
holder’s 20% holding 
of the issued share 
capital of Iberian 
Sports Retail Group.

Second put option 
whereby JD Sports 
Fashion Plc may be 
required to acquire 
30% of the option 
holder’s 20% holding 
of the issued share 
capital of Iberian 
Sports Retail Group 
in three tranches 
of 10%.

The first put option 
is exercisable for a 
period of 30 days 
following the 
approval of the 
audited financial 
statements of 
Iberian Sports 
Retail Group for 
the year ended 
29 January 2022.

The second 
put option is 
exercisable after at 
least one year has 
lapsed since the 
first put option was 
exercised. The 30% 
option, in three 
separate tranches 
of 10%, need not 
be exercised in 
consecutive years.

5%

12.5%

520.3

261.6

Genesis 
Topco Inc

The option 
price 
shall not 
exceed 
£1.2 billion.

Put option whereby 
JD Sports Fashion 
Plc may be required 
to acquire the 
remaining 20% 
of the issued share 
capital of Genesis 
Topco Inc in four 
equal tranches 
with the ability to 
roll over a tranche 
that has not 
previously been 
subject to the 
exercise of a 
put option.

The put options 
are exercisable 
within 30 calendar 
days after the 
determination 
of the final put/call 
value for the fiscal 
year. The first 
put period will 
occur after the 
determination of 
the put/call value 
for the fiscal year 
ending on 
1 February 2025.

The option price 
is calculated 
based on a 
multiple of 
earnings before 
interest, tax, 
depreciation and 
amortisation for 
the relevant 
financial period, 
less post-closing 
cash and debt.

197

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

22. Trade and Other Payables (continued)

Put and Call Options (continued)

Company

Options in existence

Exercise periods

Methodology

Marketing 
Investment 
Group S.A.

Put option whereby 
JD Sports Fashion 
Plc may be required 
to acquire the 
remaining 40% of 
the issued share 
capital of Marketing 
Investment Group 
S.A. in two equal 
tranches with the 
ability to roll over 
a tranche that 
has not previously 
been subject to 
the exercise of 
a put option.

The option price 
is calculated 
based on a 
multiple of 
earnings before 
interest, tax, 
depreciation 
and amortisation 
for the relevant 
financial period, 
less net debt 
and any 
working capital 
adjustments. 

The put options 
are exercisable 
one month after 
the shareholders 
meeting in any 
given year after 
the determination 
of the put option 
value for the 
financial year. 
The first put 
period will occur 
after the financial 
statements for 
the year ending 
31 January 2025 
are approved. 

The second 
put option is 
exercisable after 
the financial 
statements for 
the year ending 
31 January 2026 
are approved. 
If an option is not 
exercised, it may 
be exercised in any 
year within the 15 
years following the 
acquisition date 
of 30 April 2021. 
Only one tranche 
may be exercised 
in any one year. 

Other put 
option 
liabilities

Total 
liability

198

Recognised as a liability

Short-term 
EBITDA 
growth 
assumptions

Discount 
rate 
applied

At 29 
January 
2022
£m

At 30 
January 
2021
£m

22%

13%

51.9

–

Maximum 
price

The option 
price 
shall not 
exceed 
£309.8 
million.

73.5

16.9

764.7

365.9

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202223. Provisions 

A provision is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Group has a present legal or 
constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is more likely than not that an outflow of economic benefits will be 
required to settle the obligation and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Property Provision
Within property provisions, management has provided for expected dilapidations on stores and warehouses. This provision 
covers expected dilapidation costs for any lease considered onerous, any related to stores recently closed, stores which 
are planned to close or are at risk of closure and those under contract but not currently in use. Management maintain all 
properties to a high standard and carry out repairs whenever necessary during their tenure. Therefore if there is no risk of 
closure any provision would be minimal and management do not consider it necessary to hold dilapidation provisions for 
these properties.

Other Provisions
Included in other provisions is £2.0 million in respect of the CMA’s ongoing investigation into the sale of the Rangers FC 
branded replica football shirts. This provision represents management’s best estimate of the liability payable in respect of 
this matter, including associated legal costs, based on the information available to it at the date of approving these financial 
statements which includes consideration of the provisional Statement of Objections which the CMA issued on 7 June 2022. 
The CMA’s findings are, at this stage, only provisional and the Group will review them with its advisors. The CMA will consider 
any representations that are made before issuing its final findings and accordingly the amount to be settled could be materially 
different to the amount provided. The CMA has not yet confirmed when it will release its final decision on this matter but the 
Group currently expects this to occur within 12 months of the date of approval of these financial statements along with any 
related outflows.

The remaining balance in other provisions is made up of various other trade provisions and legal costs. The provisions are 
estimated based on accumulated experience, supplier communication and management approved forecasts.

Onerous Contracts Provision
Within the onerous contracts provision, management has provided against the minimum contractual cost for the remaining 
term on a non-cancellable logistics services contract for the Azambuja warehouse in Portugal within the SportZone division. 
The provision will be unwound over the remaining 8 year period ending 30 September 2030.

Balance at 1 February 2020

Provisions created during the year

Balance at 30 January 2021

Provisions reclassified from accruals

Provisions released during the year

Provisions created during the year

Provisions utilised during the year

Balance at 29 January 2022

Property 
provision
£m

Other 
provisions
£m

Onerous 
contracts
£m

–

–

–

11.2

(2.0)

9.4

(0.4)

18.2

–

–

–

14.2

(6.7)

5.0

(2.7)

9.8

–

5.8

5.8

–

(0.7)

–

–

5.1

Total
£m

–

5.8

5.8

25.4

(9.4)

14.4

(3.1)

33.1

The £9.4 million of property provision created in the year relates to the provision for expected dilapidations for the UK 
Distribution Centre and across a number of stores in the portfolio.

£4.8 million of the other provisions released in the year arises following settlement of an ongoing legal case during the year. 
The £5.0 million of other provisions created in the year relates to various trade provisions and legal costs.

 Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows: 

Current

Non-current (within 10 years)

2022 
£m

13.2

19.9

33.1

2021 
£m

0.7

5.1

5.8

199

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

24. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 

Recognised Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment 

Fascia names 

Other temporary differences 

Tax losses 

Tax assets/(liabilities) 

Assets 
2022
£m

19.6

–

55.6

6.5

81.7

Assets 
2021
£m

14.7

–

24.2

1.7

40.6

Liabilities 
2022
£m

Liabilities 
2021
£m

(29.4)

(97.6)

(0.4)

–

(127.4)

(12.0)

(37.4)

(5.6)

–

(55.0)

Net 
2022
£m

(9.8)

(97.6)

55.2

6.5

(45.7)

Net 
2021
£m

2.7

(37.4)

18.6

1.7

(14.4)

Other temporary differences primarily relates to short-term timing differences across various territories including employee 
benefits, specific trade provisions and equipment finance leases. These will unwind in accordance with the tax legislation in 
each relevant jurisdiction.

The Financial Bill 2021, which was substantially enacted on 24 May 2021, included an increase in the rate of UK corporation tax 
from 19% to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023. In accordance with IAS 12, UK deferred tax has been recognised at the enacted 
25% at the balance sheet date. 

The development of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Two Pillar Solution to Address the 
Tax Challenges arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy is being closely monitored. It is expected to be enacted in 
2022 with application from 1 January 2023. The accounting implications under IAS 12 will be ascertained once the relevant 
legislation is available.

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised on losses of £88.1m (2021: £89.4m) as there is uncertainty over the timing of 
their utilisation. These losses have arisen in the following Group subsidiaries:

2022 
£m

–

20.8

3.9

5.6

6.2

3.5

8.1

11.8

3.9

12.2

0.1

2.9

4.5

2.7

1.9

88.1

2021 
£m

21.7

6.7

4.0

5.3

4.1

2.7

13.6

–

3.0

12.9

–

–

4.5

4.7

6.2

89.4

SDSR – Sports Division SR, S.A 

JD Sports Fashion Germany GmbH 

JD Size GmbH 

JD Sports Fashion AT GmbH 

JD Sports Fashion Sweden AB 

JD Sports Fashion Finland OY 

Sports Unlimited Retail BV 

JD Sports Fashion BV

JD Sports (Thailand) Limited 

JD Sports Fashion Korea Inc 

JDSF Holdings (Canada) Inc

JDSF Retail (Canada) Inc

Clothingsites.co.uk Limited 

Tiso Group Limited and its subsidiaries 

Other 

200

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202224. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Movement in Deferred Tax During the Period

Balance at 1 February 2020 

Recognised on acquisition 

Recognised in income 

Foreign exchange movements 

Balance at 30 January 2021 

Recognised on acquisition 

Recognised in income 

Reclassification

Foreign exchange movements 

Balance at 29 January 2022 

Property, plant 
and equipment
£m

Fascia names 
£m

Other
£m

Tax losses
£m

(6.4)

(1.7)

11.5

(0.7)

2.7

(0.5)

(6.7)

(5.3)

–

(9.8)

(20.3)

(28.2)

10.9

0.2

(37.4)

(50.2)

(0.8)

(12.2)

3.0

(97.6)

13.0

(3.8)

8.6

0.8

18.6

(1.5)

20.3

17.5

0.3

55.2

1.2

–

0.4

0.1

1.7

–

4.8

–

–

6.5

Total
£m

(12.5)

(33.7)

31.4

0.4

(14.4)

(52.2)

17.6

–

3.3

(45.7)

As at 29 January 2022, the Group had no recognised deferred income tax liability (2021: £nil) in respect of taxes that would 
be payable on the unremitted earnings of certain overseas subsidiaries. At this date, the unrecognised gross temporary 
differences in respect of overseas subsidiaries was £689.2 million (2021: £425.4 million). No deferred income tax liability 
has been recognised in respect of this temporary difference due to the foreign profits exemption and the availability of 
double tax relief.

There are no undisclosed tax liabilities or income tax consequences attached to the payment of dividends by the 
Group’s subsidiaries.

25. Capital and Reserves

Issued Ordinary Share Capital
On 3 February 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc completed the placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. 
A total of 58,393,989 new ordinary shares were issued, increasing the total ordinary shares in issue to 1,031,627,149. 
The shares were placed at an issue price of 795 pence per share with a par value of 25 pence leading to share capital 
of £0.1 million and share premium of £455.8 million being recognised on issue (this is net of £8.3 million costs incurred).

An ordinary resolution was passed at the Annual General Meeting, effective 30 November 2021, resulting in a share 
split whereby five ordinary shares were issued for each ordinary share. In accordance with IAS 33, the number of shares 
outstanding before the event has been adjusted for the proportionate change as if the event had occurred at the beginning 
of the earliest period presented.

The total number of authorised ordinary shares was 6,215 million (2021: restated 6,215 million) with a par value of 0.05 pence 
per share (2021: restated 0.05 pence per share). All issued shares are fully paid.

The capital structure of the Group consists of equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued share 
capital, share premium and retained earnings. 

It is the Board’s policy to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to 
sustain future development of the business. The processes for managing the Group’s capital levels are that the Board regularly 
monitors the net cash/debt in the business, the working capital requirements and forecast cash flows. Based on this analysis, 
the Board determines the appropriate return to equity holders while ensuring sufficient capital is retained in the business to 
meet its strategic objectives. 

Full disclosure on the rights attached to shares is provided in the Directors’ Report on page 95.

At 30 January 2021 (restated)

Shares issued on 3 February 2021

At 29 January 2022

Number of 
ordinary shares 
millions

Ordinary share 
capital
£m

Share premium 
£m

4,866

292

5,158

2.4

0.1

2.5

11.7

455.8

467.5

201

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

25. Capital and Reserves (continued)

Net Debt to Capital Ratio
There were no changes to the Group’s approach to capital management during the period. The Board monitors capital using a 
net debt to equity ratio calculated as follows:

Net debt (Note 30)

Capital:

Net debt (as above) 

Equity (calculated as 5,158.1 million shares in issue multiplied by 188.3 pence per share  
(2021: 4,866.2 million shares in issue multiplied by 149.4 pence per share))

Total capital

Net debt to capital ratio 

2022
£m

2021  

(restated)
£m

1,057.0

1,134.4

1,057.0

1,134.4

9,712.7

7,270.1

10,769.7

8,404.5

9.8%

13.5%

The Board note that the 2021 comparative was disclosed as 18.0% but should have been 13.5%. As a result, the Board have 
decided to restate the 2021 comparative to ensure it is accurately reflected in this year’s Annual Report.

Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of foreign operations.

Other Equity
Put option reserve
Put options held by non-controlling interests are accounted for using the present access method. Upon initial recognition of 
the put or call option liability a corresponding entry is made to Other Equity, and for subsequent changes on remeasurement 
of the liability the corresponding entry is made to Exceptional Items in the Income Statement. 

Share-based payment reserve
As at 29 January 2022, 462,500 ordinary shares were granted under the JD Sports Fashion Plc Long-term Incentive Plan 2021. 
The market value of these shares as at 29 January 2022 was 188.3 pence per share (see Note 5 Remuneration of Directors).

26. Non-controlling Interests

The following disclosure provides summarised financial information for investments that have non-controlling interests (‘NCI’). 
NCI is initially measured at the proportionate interest in identifiable net assets of the acquiree. The table below provides a list 
of the subsidiaries which include NCI at 29 January 2022 and 30 January 2021:

Country of 
incorporation

 NCI at 
29 January 
2022
%

 NCI at 
30 January 
2021
%

Net income/
(loss) 
attributable 
to NCI for 
52 weeks 
ending
29 January 
2022
£m

Net income/
(loss) 
attributable to 
NCI for 
52 weeks 
ending
30 January 
2021
£m

 NCI at 
29 January 
2022
£m

 NCI at 
30 January 
2021
£m

Name of subsidiary: 

Genesis Topco Inc

US

Iberian Sports Retail 
Group SL 

Marketing Investment 
Group S.A.

Spain/
Portugal/
Canaries

Poland

20.0%

49.99%

20.0%

49.99%

45.4

32.9

271.2

108.6

40%

–

3.6

18.4

Other

Various*

6%–50%

6%–50%

8.0

89.9

15.4

413.6

(1.2)

5.9

–

0.2

4.9

178.4

67.6

–

11.7

257.7

*  Other includes subsidiaries incorporated in the UK, Canada, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, India and Malaysia (2021: UK, Canada, Germany, India 

and Malaysia). 

For newly acquired non-wholly owned subsidiaries, further details are provided in Note 11.

202

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202226. Non-controlling Interests (continued)

The following table summarises the information relating to each of the Group’s subsidiaries that has material NCI.

Summarised Statement of Financial Position

Current assets 

Non-current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Summarised results of operations

Revenue 

Profit/(loss) for the period, net of tax 

Summarised Statement of Cash Flows

Net cash provided by/(used in) 
operating activities 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 

Cash and cash equivalents: 

At the beginning of the period presented 

At the end of the period 

Genesis Topco 
Inc (sub-group) 
2022
£m

Genesis Topco 
Inc (sub-group) 
2021
£m

Iberian Sports 
Retail Group SL 
2022 
£m

Iberian Sports 
Retail Group SL 
2021 
£m 

437.6

1,610.8

2,048.4

(376.8)

(495.3)

1,176.3

319.0

1,091.3

1,410.3

(387.6)

(359.7)

663.0

284.2

626.4

910.6

(348.4)

(413.4)

148.8

269.0

456.3

725.3

(239.9)

(343.4)

142.0

Genesis Topco 
Inc (sub-group) 
52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

Genesis Topco 
Inc (sub-group)
6 week period 
to 30 January 
2021
£m

Iberian Sports 
Retail Group SL 
52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

2,576.7

266.2

156.3

(8.7)

920.6

50.1

Genesis Topco 
Inc (sub-group) 
52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

Genesis Topco 
Inc (sub-group)
6 week period 
to 30 January 
2021
£m

Iberian Sports 
Retail Group SL 
52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

343.8

(277.2)

–

124.8

191.4

(33.8)

(8.6)

(15.7)

182.9

124.8

87.8

(121.9)

6.0

159.1

131.0

Iberian Sports 
Retail Group SL 
52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

579.2

3.7

Iberian Sports 
Retail Group SL 
52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

35.7

(16.3)

57.2

82.5

159.1

Marketing 
Investment 
Group S.A.
2022 
£m 

63.3

75.1

138.4

(69.9)

(51.4)

17.1

Marketing 
Investment 
Group S.A.
39 week period 
to 29 January 
2022
£m

175.0

7.1

Marketing 
Investment 
Group S.A.
39 week period 
to 29 January 
2022
£m

1.0

(2.7)

(0.1)

6.8

5.0

203

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

27. Dividends

Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Group and Company financial statements 
in the period in which it is approved.

After the reporting date the following dividend was proposed by the Directors and will be payable to all shareholders on the 
register at 8 July 2022. The dividends were not provided for at the reporting date.

0.35 pence per ordinary share (2021: restated 0.29 pence)

Dividends on Issued Ordinary Share Capital

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

18.1

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

14.9

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

Final dividend of 0.29 pence (2021: 0.00 pence) per qualifying ordinary share paid  
in respect of prior period, but not recognised as a liability in that period 

Interim dividend of 0.00 pence (2021: 0.00 pence) per qualifying ordinary share paid  
in respect of current period 

14.9

–

14.9

28. Commitments

As at 29 January 2022, the Group had entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

Contracted

2022
£m

30.2

–

–

–

2021
£m

12.8

In December 2021, JD Sports Fashion Plc signed a contract with ABG Reebok LLC to licence the Reebok brand in various 
territories. The agreement is subject to terms and conditions and was not effective until after the 29 January 2022 financial 
year-end. As a result, the Group has not recognised an intangible asset for the use of the brand in the Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position at 29 January 2022 or a liability for the discounted contractual minimum royalty payments under the 
initial 10 year term of £73.1 million.

29. Pension Schemes

The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes, the assets of which are held separately from those of the Group 
in independently administered funds. Obligations for contributions to the defined contribution schemes are recognised as 
an expense in the Consolidated Income Statement when incurred.

The pension charge for the period represents contributions payable by the Group of £16.8 million (2021: £14.7 million) 
in respect of employees. Disclosure of the pension contributions payable in respect of the Directors is included in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report. The amount owed to the schemes at the period end was £3.1 million (2021: £2.4 million).

204

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202230. Analysis of Net Cash

Net cash consists of cash and cash equivalents together with other borrowings from bank loans and overdrafts, other loans, 
loan notes, finance leases and similar hire purchase contracts.

Cash at bank and in hand 

Overdrafts 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings: 

Bank loans 

Other loans 

Net cash/(financial debt) before lease liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Net cash/(debt) 

At 30 January 
2021 
£m

On acquisition 
of subsidiaries 
£m

Cash flow 
£m

Non-cash 
movements 
£m

At 29 January 
2022 
£m 

964.4

(15.7)

948.7

(84.4)

(68.9)

795.4

(1,929.8)

(1,134.4)

152.7

(23.2)

129.5

(156.2)

–

(26.7)

(271.7)

(298.4)

200.4

5.3

205.7

140.8

68.9

415.4

350.8

766.2

(3.5)

–

(3.5)

5.3

–

1.8

(392.2)

(390.4)

1,314.0

(33.6)

1,280.4

(94.5)

–

1,185.9

(2,242.9)

(1,057.0)

Other loans of £68.9 million was the deferred consideration payable at 30 January 2021 in respect of the acquisition of Shoe 
Palace Corporation (see Note 11). The deferred consideration was fully paid during the financial year ended 29 January 2022.

31. Related Party Transactions and Balances

Transactions and balances with each category of related parties during the period are shown below. Transactions were 
undertaken in the ordinary course of business on an arm’s length basis. Outstanding balances are unsecured (unless 
otherwise stated) and will be settled in cash.

Transactions with Related Parties Who Are Not Members of the Group
Pentland Group Limited
During the financial year, Pentland Group Limited owned 51.9% (2021: 55%) of the issued ordinary share capital of JD Sports 
Fashion Plc. The Group made purchases of inventory from Pentland Group Limited in the period and the Group also sold 
inventory to Pentland Group Limited. The Group also paid royalty costs to Pentland Group Limited for the use of a brand. 

During the period, the Group entered into the following transactions with Pentland Group Limited:

Sale of inventory

Purchase of inventory

Royalty costs

Marketing costs

Income from 
related parties
2022
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2022
£m

Income from 
related parties
2021
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2021
£m

1.3

–

–

–

–

(48.7)

(6.2)

(0.9)

1.4

–

–

–

–

(46.7)

(1.8)

(0.3)

At the end of the period, the following balances were outstanding with Pentland Group Limited:

Trade receivables/(payables)

0.2

(2.5)

0.9

(3.1)

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2021
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2021
£m

205

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

31. Related Party Transactions and Balances (continued)

Transactions with Related Parties Who Are Not Members of the Group (continued)
Associates and Joint Ventures
During the period, the Group entered into the following transactions with its associates and joint ventures:

Purchase of inventory

Dividends and distributions received

Income from 
related parties
2022
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2022
£m

Income from 
related parties
2021
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2021
£m

–

6.9

(12.5)

–

–

–

–

–

At the end of the period, the Group had the following balances outstanding with its associates and joint ventures:

Other receivables

Trade payables

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2021
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2021
£m

0.2

–

–

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

Other receivables from associates and joint ventures relate to costs incurred by the Group on behalf of these entities, which 
have then been recharged.

Other than the remuneration of Directors as shown in Note 5 and in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 114 to 130 
there have been no other transactions with Directors in the year (2021: nil). £25,000 of invoices from Cowgill Holloway Business 
Recovery LLP in respect of professional fees were accrued in the financial year ended 29 January 2022 and paid post year-end 
(2021: £3,300). Peter Cowgill is indirectly a member of this Limited Liability Partnership through his membership of Cowgill 
Holloway LLP who are then a member of Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP. Peter Cowgill does not participate in any 
profit share arrangement relating to either Cowgill Holloway LLP or Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP. In addition, Cowgill 
Holloway LLP (including member firms of Cowgill Holloway LLP) has acted on behalf of certain vendors where the Group has 
ultimately completed an acquisition. Where this has occurred, there has been no monetary payments between the Group and 
Cowgill Holloway LLP (including its member firms).

32. Held-for-sale (Footasylum Plc)

Transaction History
On 18 February 2019, JD Sports Fashion Plc acquired 19,579,964 Footasylum Plc shares at prices between 50 pence and 
75 pence per share, representing 18.7% of the issued ordinary share capital. 

On 18 March 2019, in conjunction with the Board of Footasylum Plc, JD Sports Fashion Plc announced the terms of an offer 
to be made for the remaining 81.3% of the ordinary share capital of Footasylum at a price of 82.5 pence per ordinary share. 
This offer was declared unconditional in all respects on 12 April 2019 with acceptances received for a total of 78,176,481 shares 
representing a further 74.8% of the issued ordinary share capital. On 26 April 2019, the first bulk transfer was made to acquire 
an additional 80.5 million shares (in addition to the 19.5 million already owned). The formal process to acquire the remaining 
Footasylum shares (incl. the dissenting shareholders) was completed on 4 June 2019. Footasylum was delisted on 16 May 2019 
and converted from an unlisted Plc to a private company on 19 September 2019.

206

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
32. Held-for-sale (Footasylum Plc) (continued)

Hold Separate Order and Consolidation
On 17 May 2019, JD Sports Fashion Plc received a ‘hold separate’ enforcement order from the CMA regarding the 
Footasylum acquisition. 

In accordance with IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’, an investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or 
has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through 
its power over the investee. Whilst this transaction was being reviewed by the CMA, the Directors of JD Sports Fashion Plc 
have assessed whether the Group had control over Footasylum and could therefore consolidate the results of Footasylum. 
In making their judgement, the Directors considered that there was a simultaneous exchange and completion on the 
transaction and completion was not conditional on the outcome of the CMA review. The risks and rewards ultimately rested 
with JD Sports Fashion Plc as legal owner and there would be no pass through to the former shareholders. This evidences 
that the Group had exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee. Further, the Group had the 
power of veto over strategic decision making. After careful consideration, the Directors concluded that the consolidation of 
Footasylum into the Group financial statements from the date of acquisition was appropriate and was disclosed as a critical 
accounting judgement in the accounting policies. 

Held-for-sale
On 4 November 2021, the final ruling from the CMA was that it had again prohibited the Group’s acquisition of Footasylum. 
The final CMA undertakings were issued on 14 January 2022 which was effectively the start date for the Footasylum sale 
process. Footasylum has been classified as held-for-sale as at 29 January 2022 as:

 – the carrying amount of Footasylum will be recovered through the sale transaction;
 – it is available for sale in its present condition; 
 – the Group has committed to sell Footasylum and this sale plan has been initiated; 
 – Footasylum was being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable in relation to its fair value; and
 – there is an expectation that the sale process will be completed within six months of the classification as held-for-sale.

Assets and Liabilities of Footasylum held-for-sale
As at 29 January 2022, Footasylum was stated at carrying value (excluding cash and cash equivalents), being the lower of 
carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Cash and cash equivalents as at 29 January 2022 of £27.2 million have been 
presented within the Group’s cash and cash equivalents (Note 30) in accordance with IFRS 5.

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred tax assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Right-of-use assets

Assets held-for-sale

2022 
£m

4.7

25.2

0.2

27.0

21.5

78.5

157.1

207

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

32. Held-for-sale (Footasylum Plc) (continued)

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Income tax liability 

Deferred tax liability

Liabilities held-for-sale

2022 
£m

(57.5)

 (82.0)

(2.9)

(0.2)

(142.6)

Discontinued operations
The presentation of an operation as a discontinued operation is limited to a component of an entity that either has been 
disposed of or is classified as held-for-sale, and:

 – represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations;
 – is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations, 

or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

Whilst the disposal of Footasylum is significant for the Group, it is subject to a single plan and can be distinguished 
operationally and for financial reporting purposes, the disposal of Footasylum should not be classified as a discontinued 
operation. This is because the Group has other subsidiaries and operations within the Sports Fashion segment in the UK, 
therefore Footasylum does not represent a separate major line of business or geographic area for the Group. However, 
the Group is required to disclose the impact of the disposal.

33. Contingent Liabilities

The activities of the Group are overseen by a number of regulators around the world and, whilst the Group strives to ensure 
full compliance with all its regulatory obligations, periodic reviews are inevitable which may result in a financial penalty. If the 
risk of a financial penalty arising from one of these reviews is more than remote but not probable or cannot be measured 
reliably then the Group will disclose this matter as a contingent liability. If the risk of a financial penalty is considered probable 
and can be measured reliably then the Group would make a provision for this matter. 

CMA Investigation
On 23 September 2021, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation under section 25 of the 
Competition Act 1998 (‘CA98’) into suspected breaches of competition law by Leicester City Football Club Limited and 
JD Sports Fashion Plc, together with their affiliates. The Group continues to co-operate fully with the CMA.

The CMA has not reached a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue 
a statement of objections or, ultimately, an infringement decision, to any party under investigation. Therefore, at this stage, it 
is not possible to determine with sufficient certainty that a liability will ultimately arise. Indeed, not all cases result in the CMA 
issuing a statement of objections or an infringement decision. The CMA has indicated that it will publish a further update in 
September 2022. 

34. Post Balance Sheet Events

Directorate Change
On 25 May 2022, the Group announced that it had decided to accelerate the separation of the roles of Chair and Chief 
Executive Officer. Peter Cowgill stood down as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman with immediate effect. 
Helen Ashton was appointed as Interim Non-Executive Chair and Kath Smith was appointed as Interim Chief Executive 
Officer. For further details, please see the Statement from the Board on page 4.

Acquisition of Total Swimming Group
On 27 May 2022, JD Sports Fashion Plc completed, via its existing subsidiary JD Sports Gyms Limited, the acquisition of a 
60% share in Total Swimming Group. Initial cash consideration paid was £11.1 million with a maximum of £4.0 million of deferred 
consideration that is contingent upon future performance criteria and certain closing conditions. Total Swimming Group was 
founded by former Olympic swimmers Steve Parry, Rebecca Adlington and Adrian Turner to make swimming more accessible 
and includes Swim!, the first multi-site operator of dedicated children’s learn to swim centres in the UK. The acquisition provides 
a broadening of the Group’s leisure interests, which now includes gyms and pools. In its 2021 financial year, Total Swimming 
Group generated revenues of £8.6 million. Due to the proximity of the date of the acquisition and the date of this report, it is 
not possible to present a provisional goodwill calculation or the provisional fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired. 
The provisional goodwill calculation will be presented in the announcement of our Interim Results.

208

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202235. Subsidiary Undertakings

The following companies were the subsidiary undertakings of JD Sports Fashion Plc at 29 January 2022.

Place of 
registration

Registered address 

Name of subsidiary

2Squared Agency Limited 

24Sevenbikes Ltd 

UK 

UK 

80s Casual Classics Limited 

UK 

A Number of Names Limited 

UK 

ActivInstinct Holdings Limited 

UK 

ActivInstinct Limited* 

Aghoco 1966 Limited 

Allsports.co.uk Limited* 

Alpine Bikes Limited* 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Alpine Group (Scotland) Limited*  UK 

Applied Nutrition LimitedA

Ark Fashion Limited 

Aspecto Holdings Limited 

Aspecto Trading Limited* 

Athleisure Limited 

UK

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Base Childrenswear Limited 

UK 

Bernard Esher Limited 

UK 

Blacks Outdoor Retail Limited 

UK 

Blue Retail Limited* 

UK 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

41 Commercial Street, Leith, 
Edinburgh, EH6 6JD 

41 Commercial Street, Leith, 
Edinburgh, EH6 6JD 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

2 Acornfield Road, Knowsley 
Industrial Park, Liverpool, L33 7UG

Manufacture of 
other food products

Bodytone International 
Sport S.L.* 

Spain 

Calle Legón, 180 – 30500, Molina 
de Segura, Murcia (Spain) 

Brand Stable LtdJ

UK

Atlantic House, 65 Jeddo Road, 
London, W12 9ED

Online own label women’s 
fashion retailer

Capso Holdings Limited* 

Isle of Man  33–37 Athol Street, Isle of Man, 

Catchbest Limited 

UK 

Champion Retail Limited* 

Ireland 

IM1 1LB 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retail of clothing in 
a specialised store 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Nature of business 
and operation 

Distributor of fashion 
apparel and accessories 

Dormant company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear

Wholesale of clothing 
and footwear 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of children’s 
fashion apparel 
and footwear 

Retailer of premium 
women’s fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Retailer of outdoor 
footwear, apparel 
and equipment 

Dormant company 

Manufacture and 
distribute professional 
fitness equipment 

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

100%

100%

70%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

60%

60%

32%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

80%

100%

100%

25%**

49%

100%

80%

100%

209

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

35. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Champion Sports 
(Holdings) Unlimited* 

Place of 
registration

Ireland 

Champion Sports Group Limited*  Ireland

Champion Sports Ireland* 

Ireland 

Champion Sports  
Newco Limited* 

Choice 33 Limited* 

Choice Limited* 

Cloggs Online Limited 

Ireland 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Clothingsites Holdings Limited 

UK 

Clothingsites.co.uk Limited* 

UK 

Registered address 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Nature of business 
and operation 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Cosmos Sport Commercial, Hotel 
and Tourism Société Anonyme 

Greece 

148, 62 Martiron Ave. 71303, 
Kaminia, Heraklion, Crete, Greece 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Cosmossport Trading 
(Cyprus) Limited* 

Dallas D&K Corporation* 

Dantra Limited 

Cyprus 

US 

UK 

11 Michail Paridi, 1095, Nicosia, 
Cyprus 

1300 Mercedes Drive Hanover 
MD 21076

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Athletic footwear and 
apparel streetwear retailer 

Retailer of children’s 
fashion apparel 
and footwear 

Deporvillage S.L. 

Spain 

Plaça de la Ciencia 1 Local 4, Edifici 
Impuls, Manresa, 08240, Barcelona 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Drome Limited* 

DTLR Holding Inc* 

DTLR Villa LLC* 

DTLR, Inc* 

UK 

US 

US 

US 

Duffer of St George Limited 

UK 

Exclusive Footwear Limited 

UK 

First Sport Limited* 

Focus Brands Limited 

Focus Equipment Limited* 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Focus Group Holdings Limited*  UK 

Focus International Limited* 

UK 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

1300 Mercedes Drive 
Hanover MD 21076

1300 Mercedes Drive Hanover 
MD 21076

1300 Mercedes Drive Hanover 
MD 21076

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Focus International NL B.V.* 

Netherlands  Danzigerkade 9 A, 1013AP 

Amsterdam, the Netherlands 

210

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Athletic footwear and 
apparel streetwear retailer 

Athletic footwear and 
apparel streetwear retailer 

Licensor of a fashion brand 

100%

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Intermediate holding 
company 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and footwear 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and footwear 

90%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

100%

100%

100%

100%

88%

88%

100%

100%

100%

80%

80%

79%

75%

40%**

100%

79%

79%

79%

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

Nature of business 
and operation 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and footwear 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

35. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Focus Italy S.pa.* 

Focus Sports & Leisure 
International Limited* 

Place of 
registration

Italy 

UK 

Footasylum Brands Limited* 

UK 

Registered address 

Viale Majno Luigi 17/A, 
20122 Milano Italy 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Footasylum GmbH* 

Germany  Wittestr. 30K, 13509, Berlin, 13509, 

Footasylum Limited 

UK 

Footpatrol London 2002 Limited  UK 

Frank Harrison Limited* 

Genesis Finco Limited 

Genesis Holdings Inc* 

Genesis Topco Inc 

UK 

UK 

US 

US 

George Fisher Holdings Limited*  UK 

George Fisher Limited* 

UK 

GetTheLabel.com Limited* 

UK 

Gio Goi Brands LimitedJ

Gio-Goi Trading Limited*J

Giulio Fashion Limited* 

Giulio Limited* 

Giulio Woman Limited* 

UK

UK

UK 

UK 

UK 

Go Outdoors Equestrian Limited*  UK 

Go Outdoors Fishing Limited* 

UK 

Go Outdoors Retail Limited 

UK 

Graham Tiso Limited* 

UK 

GymNation Limited* 

GymNation LLC* 

British 
Virgin 
Islands 

UAE 

Berlin 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235 

Intermediate 
holding company 

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235 

Intermediate 
holding company 

41 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, 
EH6 6JD

Intermediate 
holding company 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Spring Court, Spring Road, Hale, 
Cheshire, England, WA14 2UQ

Spring Court, Spring Road, Hale, 
Cheshire, England, WA14 2UQ

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

41 Commercial Street, Leith, 
Edinburgh, EH6 6JD 

Retailer of outdoor 
footwear, apparel 
and equipment 

Dormant company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of premium fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Retailer of outdoor leisure 
equipment and apparel 

Retailer of outdoor leisure 
equipment and apparel 

Retailer of outdoor 
footwear, apparel 
and equipment 

Craigmuir Chambers, Road Town, 
Tortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands 

Intermediate 
holding company 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

72%

100%

80%

80%

60%

60%

80%

50%

50%

88%

88%

88%

100%

100%

100%

60%

94%

M Floor, ETA Star Building, Near 
Time Square Centre, Al Quoz 1, 
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE 

Operator of fitness centres 

94%

Hair Burst Limited* 

UK 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Retailer of hair vitamins 
and growth products 

75%

211

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

35. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Place of 
registration

Registered address 

Hairburst Holding Group Limited  UK 

Helium Miracle 311 Limited* 

UK 

Henleys Clothing Limited 

Hip (Birmingham) Limited 

Hip Store Limited 

I Am Athlete, LLC* 

UK 

UK 

UK 

US 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

6701 Center Drive W, Suite 700, 
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Nature of business 
and operation 

Intermediate 
holding company

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Retailer of premium 
men’s fashion apparel 
and footwear 

Retailer of sports and 
leisure inspired goods 

Iberian Sports Retail Group SL 

Spain 

Polígono Industrial de las Atalayas, 
Avenida Euro, N2, Alicante 03114 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

75%

94%

100%

100%

100%

80%

50.01%

Tanzaro House, Ardwick Green N, 
Manchester, M12 6HD

Retailer of fashion apparel

30%

Il Sarto Milano Limited*A

Infinities Retail Group 
Holdings Limited 

UK

UK 

Infinities Retail Group Limited* 

UK 

IRG Altrincham Limited* 

IRG Birkenhead Limited* 

IRG Blackburn Limited* 

IRG Bradford Limited* 

IRG Bury Limited* 

IRG Chesterfield Limited* 

IRG Denton Limited* 

IRG Derby Limited* 

IRG Stockport Limited* 

IRG Stoke Limited* 

IRG Warrington Limited* 

J D Sports Limited 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Jandernama SL

Spain 

JD Canary Islands Sports SL* 

Spain 

JD Newco 2 Limited 

UK 

Polígono Industrial de las Atalayas, 
Avenida Euro, N2, Alicante 03114 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Polígono Industrial de las Atalayas, 
Avenida Euro, N2, Alicante 03114 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, 
Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Dormant company 

JD Size GmbH 

Germany 

Neusser Straße 93, 50670 Cologne  Retailer of sports inspired 

100%

footwear and apparel 

212

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

65%

100%

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202235. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Place of 
registration

Registered address 

Nature of business 
and operation 

JD Spain Sports Fashion 2010 SL* Spain 

JD Sports (Thailand) Limited* 

Thailand 

JD Sports Active Limited 

UK 

JD Sports Fashion (France) SAS  France 

JD Sports Fashion Acquisitions 
2021 Limited 

UK 

JD Sports Fashion AT GmbH 

Austria 

JD Sports Fashion Aus Pty* 

Australia 

Polígono Industrial de las Atalayas, 
Avenida Euro, N2, Alicante 03114 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Room No. TT04 No. 1106 Sukhumvit 
Road, Phrakhanong Sub-district, 
Klongtoey District, Bangkok 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

96 R Du Pont Rompu, 59200 
Tourcoing

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Intermediate 
holding company

Wallnerstraße 1, 3. Stock, 1010 
Vienna, Austria 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Level 12, 54 Park St, Sydney, NSW 
2000 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

JD Sports Fashion Belgium BV 

Belgium 

Wiegstraat 21, 2000 Antwerpen 

JD Sports Fashion BV 

Netherlands  Oosteinderweg 247 B 1432 AT 

Aalsmeer

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

JD Sports Fashion Denmark APS  Denmark 

JD Sports Fashion Finland OY 

Finland 

c/o Harbour House, Sundkrogsgade 
21, 2100 Copenhagen

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

c/o Intertrust Finland Oy, 
Lautatarhankatu 6, 00580, Helsinki 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

65%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Germany 

Neusser Strasse 93, 50670 Cologne  Retailer of sports inspired 

80%

JD Sports Fashion Germany 
GmbH 

JD Sports Fashion Holdings 
Aus Pty 

Australia 

Level 12, 54 Park St, Sydney, NSW 
2000 

Intermediate 
holding company 

footwear and apparel 

JD Sports Fashion India LLP 

India 

JD Sports Fashion Israel Ltd*J

Israel

JD Sports Fashion Israel (2021) 
Limited Partnership*J
JD Sports Fashion Korea Inc 

Israel

Korea 

JD Sports Fashion NZ Pty 
Limited* 

New 
Zealand 

JD Sports Fashion PTE LTD* 

Singapore 

JD Sports Fashion SDN BHD 

Malaysia 

JD Sports Fashion SRL 

Italy 

JD Sports Fashion Sweden AB 

Sweden 

JD Sports Gyms Acquisitions 
Limited* 

JD Sports Gyms Limited 

UK 

UK 

B-808 The Platina, Gachibawli, 
Hyderabad, Telangana, India – 
500032 

Outsourced multichannel  
operations 

HaMelacha 8 Holon, Israel, Zip code: 
5881504

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel

HaMelacha 8 Holon, Israel, Zip code: 
5881504

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel

6F Yoonik Bldg. 430 Eonju-ro, 
Gangnam-gu, Seoul 

Anderson Lloyd, Level 10 Otago 
House, Cnr Moray Place & Princes 
Street, Dunedin, 9016, NZ 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

190 Middle Road, 14-05, Fortune 
Centre, Singapore, 188979 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza 
Pekeliling, No. 2, Jalan Tun Razak, 
50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Via Montenapoleone n. 29 – 20121 
Milan, Italy 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

C/o Intertrust CN (Sweden) AB, 
PO Box 16285, 103 25 Stockholm, 
Sweden 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Dormant company 

Operator of fitness centres 

100%

100%

60%

60%

50%

100%

80%

80%

100%

100%

94%

94%

213

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

35. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Place of 
registration

JDSF Holdings (Canada) Inc 

Canada 

JDSF Retail (Canada) Inc 

Canada 

Registered address 

1200 Waterfront Centre, 
200 Burrard Street, 
Vancouver BC V6C 3L6 

1200 Waterfront Centre, 
200 Burrard Street, 
Vancouver BC V6C 3L6 

Nature of business 
and operation 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

JMH Cosmetics Limited* 

UK 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Other business 
support service 

John David Sports Fashion 
(Ireland) Limited 

Ireland 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Kukri (Asia) Limited* 

Hong Kong  Unit 4, 27th Floor, Global Trade 

Square, 21 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 
Hong Kong 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

Kukri (HK) Limited* 

Hong Kong  Unit 4, 27th Floor, Global Trade 

Dormant company 

Kukri Australia Pty Limited* 

Australia 

Kukri Events Limited* 

Kukri GB Limited* 

UK 

UK 

Kukri NZ Limited* 

Kukri PTE Limited* 

New 
Zealand 

Singapore 

Kukri Shanghai Limited* 

Shanghai 

Kukri Sports Canada Inc* 

Canada

Kukri Sports Ireland Limited* 

Ireland 

Kukri Sports Limited 

UK 

Kukri Sports Middle East JLT* 

UAE 

Mainline Menswear Holdings 
Limited 

UK 

Mainline Menswear Limited* 

UK 

Mallet. Footwear LimitedA

UK

Marathon Sports Limited* 

Ireland 

Square, 21 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 
Hong Kong 

Level 12, 338–340 Pitt Street, 
Sydney NSW 2000 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Unit 2, 45 The Boulevard, 
Te Rapa Park, Hamilton 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

Dormant company 

Distributor and retailer 
of sports apparel 
and accessories 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

10 Anson Road, 19–15 International 
Plaza, Singapore 079903 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

Room 221-225, No. 2 Building, 
No.38 Debao Road, China 
(Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, 
Shanghai, 200131, China 

106–1533 Broadway St, Port 
Coquitlam, British Columbia, 
V3C 6P3 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Lakeview Tower, Jumeirah Lake 
Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Distributor of sports 
apparel and accessories 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

M25 Business Centre, 121 Brooker 
Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex, 
England, EN9 1J

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of premium 
men’s fashion apparel 
and footwear 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear

Dormant company 

Marketing Investment Group 
Bulgaria EOOD* 

Bulgaria 

53А Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Blvd., 1407 
Promishlena zona Hladilnika, Sofia 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Marketing Investment Group 
Czech s.r.o.* 

Czech 
Republic 

Jakubská 647/2, Staré Město, 110 00, 
Praha 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

214

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

80%

88%

75%

100%

80%

80%

80%

80%

80%

60%

80%

80%

60%

80%

80%

80%

80%

80%

25%

100%

60%

60%

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202235. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Marketing Investment Group 
Estonia OÜ* 

Marketing Investment Group 
Hungary Korlátolt Felelősségű 
Társaság* 

Place of 
registration

Estonia 

Hungary 

Marketing Investment Group S.A.  Poland 

Marketing Investment Group 
Slovakia s. r. o.* 
Marshall Artist Holdings LimitedJ  UK

Slovakia 

Registered address 

Nature of business 
and operation 

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna 
linnaosa, Narva mnt 5, 10117 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Horvát u. 14-24 4.em.2, Budapest, 
1027

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

ul. Prof. Michała Życzkowskiego 10, 
31-864 Kraków

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Michalská 7, 811 03 Bratislava

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

97 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, 
England, SK9 1PT

Intermediate 
holding company

MIG Marketing Investment Group 
Austria GmbH* 

MIG Marketing Investment Group 
GmbH* 

Austria 

Mahlerstraße 13/1B, 1010 Vienna

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Germany 

Dr. Hans-Lebach-Str. 2, 15537 Erkner Retailer of sports inspired 

footwear and apparel 

MIG Marketing Investment Group 
RO SRL* 

Romania 

Calea Floreasca 169, Corp P1, Etaj 3, 
Camera 10, Bucuresti 077190

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

MIG Wholesale spółka z o.o.* 

Poland 

ul. Prof. Michała Życzkowskiego 10, 
31-864 

Wholesale of clothing 
and footwear 

Dormant company 

100%

Millets Limited 

Missy Empire Limited* 

Modern Casuals Ltd 

Mrblancteeth Limited* 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

myBox Spolka z.o.o* 

Poland 

Nanny State Limited 

Naylor's Equestrian LLP* 

NiceKicks Holdings LLC* 

Nicholas Deakins Limited 

Oi-Polloi Limited 

 UK 

 UK 

 US 

 UK 

 UK 

Old Brown Bag Clothing Limited*   UK 

Onepointfive Ventures Limited* 

 Canada 

OneTrueSaxon Limited 

Open Fashion Limited 

 UK 

 UK 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

59a Knowsley Street, 
Manchester, England, M8 8JF 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Logistyczna 9, 26-060 
Chęciny, Poland 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

755 Jarvis Drive, Morgan Hill, 
CA 95037 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

1200 Waterfront Centre, 
200 Burrard Street, Vancouver 
BC V6C 3L6 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

Retailer of teeth 
whitening products 

Provide comprehensive 
support for logistics 
processes 

Dormant company 

Retailer of Equestrian 
equipment 

Retailer of athletic footwear 
and streetwear apparel 

Distributor of 
fashion footwear 

Retail sale of clothing 
in specialised stores 

Dormant company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Dormant company 

Dormant company 

PCPONE* 

 Ireland 

3 Burlington Road, Dublin 4, 
D04RD68, Republic of Ireland 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Pear Sports LLC* 

 US 

20371 Irvine Ave, Suite 120, 
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Retailer of sports and 
leisure inspired goods 

60%

60%

60%

60%

25%

60%

60%

60%

60%

51%

70%

75%

60%

100%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

80%

100%

100%

100%

80%

215

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

 35. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Place of 
registration

Registered address 

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

Name of subsidiary

Peter Werth Limited* 

PG2019 Limited 

Pink Soda Limited 

Premium Fashion Limited 

Prevu Studio Limited 

Prima Designer Limited* 

Projekts NYC Limited* 

 UK 

 UK 

 UK 

 UK 

 UK 

 UK 

 UK 

PT JD Sports FashionJ

Indonesia

PT JD Sports Fashion 
DistributionJ 

Indonesia

R.D. Scott Limited

Rascal Clothing Ltd 

UK

UK 

SDSR – Sports Division SR, S.A*  Portugal 

SEA Sports Fashion SDN. BHD.  Malaysia 

Suite 20, 196 Rose Street, 
Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH2 4AT

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Nature of business 
and operation 

Dormant company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Dormant company 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, United Kingdom, 
BL9 8RR 

Retail sale of clothing 
in specialised stores 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Erajaya Plaza, Jalan Bandengan 
Selatan Number 19–20, Kel. Pekojan, 
Kec. Tambora, Adm. City of West 
Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Province, 11240

Erajaya Plaza, Jalan Bandengan 
Selatan Number 19–20, Kel. Pekojan, 
Kec. Tambora, Adm. City of West 
Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Province, 11240

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Rua Joao Mendoça, nº 505, 
Matosinhos Freguesia, São Mamede 
de Infesta e Senhora da Hora, 4464 
503 Matosinhos, Portugal 

Level 19–01, Block B, Plaza Zurich, 
No. 12, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit 
Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

Intermediate 
holding company 

Dormant company 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Shoe Palace Corporation*

US 

755 Jarvis Drive, Morgan Hill, 
CA 95037 

Retailer of athletic footwear 
and streetwear apparel 

SIA Marketing Investment 
Group Latvia* 

Size? Limited 

Sneaker Villa Inc* 

Sonneti Fashions Limited* 

Source Lab Limited 

South South East Limited 

Spikes Holding LLC* 

UK 

US 

UK 

UK 

UK 

US 

Latvia 

Rīga, Lienes iela 1–3, LV-1009 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel 

1300 Mercedes Drive Hanover MD 
21076

Athletic footwear and 
apparel streetwear retailer 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. 
Indianapolis, IN 46235 

Dormant company 

Design and distributor 
of sportswear 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Dormant company 

Spodis SA* 

France 

96 R Du Pont Rompu, 59200 
Tourcoing, France 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

216

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

51%

49%

100%

75%

50%**

60%

80%

60%

100%

79%

100%

85%

100%

80%

100%

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 202235. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Place of 
registration

Registered address 

Sport Zone Canarias (SL)* 

Spain 

Avenida el Paso, 10, 1º, Edificio 
Multiusos, Polígono Industrial Los 
Majuelos, La Laguna 38201, Santa 
Cruz de Tenerife, Spain 

Nature of business 
and operation 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

30%**

Sportiberica – Sociedade de 
Arigos de Desporto S.A. 

Portugal 

Avenida das Indústrias, n.º 63, 
Agualva do Cacém, Sintra, Portugal 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Sports Unlimited Retail BV* 

Netherlands  Oosteinderweg 247 B 1432 AT 

Sprinter Megacentros Del 
Deporte SLU* 

Spain 

Squirrel Sports Limited* 

Terminus Bidco, Inc.* 

Tessuti Group Limited 

Tessuti Limited* 

Tessuti Retail Limited* 

The Alpine Group Limited* 

The Couture Club Ltd*A

UK 

US 

UK

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK

The Finish Line Distribution, Inc*  US 

The Finish Line MA, Inc* 

US 

The Finish Line Puerto Rico, Inc* US

The Finish Line 
Transportation, Inc*

The Finish Line USA, Inc*

The Finish Line, Inc*

The Gym King  
(Holdings) LimitedJ

US

 US

 US

UK

The Gym King IE Limited*J

UK

The Gym King Limited*J

The Gym King 
Wholesale Limited*J

UK

UK

Aalsmeer, The Netherlands 

Polígono Industrial de las Atalayas, 
Avenida Euro, N2, Alicante 03114, 
Spain 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, 
Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Retailer of sports 
and leisure goods 

Dormant company 

1300 Mercedes Drive Hanover MD 
21076

Intermediate 
holding company 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR 

41 Commercial Street, Leith, 
Edinburgh, EH6 6JD 

40–42 Matthews Street, Higher 
Ardwick, Manchester, England, 
M12 5BB

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear 

Dormant company 

Intermediate 
holding company 

Retailer of fashion apparel

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235 

Retailer of sports and 
leisure inspired goods

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235 

Dormant company 

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235

Retailer of sports and 
leisure inspired goods

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235

Retailer of sports and 
leisure inspired goods

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235

Retailer of sports and 
leisure inspired goods

3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd. Indianapolis, 
IN 46235

Intermediate 
holding company

Unit 6 Temple Point Bullerthorpe 
Lane, Colton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, 
LS15 9JL

Intermediate 
holding company

Online retailer and 
wholesaler of sports 
inspired apparel

Dormant company

Unit 6 Temple Point Bullerthorpe 
Lane, Colton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, 
LS15 9JL

Unit 6 Temple Point Bullerthorpe 
Lane, Colton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, 
LS15 9JL

Online retailer and 
wholesaler of sports 
inspired apparel

Unit 6 Temple Point Bullerthorpe 
Lane, Colton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, 
LS15 9JL

Dormant company

The Gym King GmbH*J

Germany

Adlerstraße 34, 90403 Nürnberg

65%

50%

50%

80%

80%

100%

88%

100%

60%

40%

80%

80%

80%

80%

80%

80%

40%

40%

40%

40%

40%

217

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

 35. Subsidiary Undertakings (continued)

Name of subsidiary

Place of 
registration

Registered address 

The John David Group Limited

UK

The Watch Shop 
Holdings Limited*

Tiso Group Limited

Topgrade Sportswear 
Holdings Limited

UK

UK

UK

Topgrade Sportswear Limited*

 UK

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

41 Commercial Street, Leith, 
Edinburgh, EH6 6JD

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

UAB Marketing Investment 
Group Lietuva*

 Lithuania

Gvazdikų g. 170, LT-10247 Vilnius

Uggbugg Fashion Limited

 UK

Ultimate Outdoors Limited*

 UK

Varsity Kit Limited*

Watch Shop Logistics Ltd*

Weaver’s Door Ltd

Wellgosh Limited

 UK

 UK

 UK

 UK

Wheelbase Lakeland Limited

 UK

X4L Gyms Limited*

XLR8 Sports Limited

 UK

 UK

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, 
Bury, Lancashire, BL9 8RR

Nature of business 
and operation 

Dormant company 

Retail sale of watches 
and jewellery in 
specialised stores 

Intermediate 
holding company

Dormant company 

Retailer of sports inspired 
footwear and apparel

Agency business for luxury 
childrenswear brands

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear

Dormant company

Dormant company

Dormant company

Dormant company 

Retailer of fashion 
apparel and footwear

Retail sale of sports goods, 
fishing gear, camping 
goods, boats and bicycles

Ownership 
and voting 
rights interest

100%

100%

60%

80%

80%

60%

51%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

78%

Operator of fitness centres

94%

Retail sale of bicycles

100%

* 
** 

Indirect holding of the Company
Indirect holding of <50%. The following are entities owned by ISRG, and ISRG’s ownership and voting rights interest is presented in brackets: 
Bodytone International Sport S.L., (50.1%), Deporvillage S.L. (80%), SDSR – Sports Division SR, S.A (100%), Sprinter Megacentros Del Deporte 
SLU (94%), Sport Zone Canarias S.L. (60%). JD is deemed to control ISRG via its shareholding (50.01%) and Board of Director / Chairman 
appointments, and subsequently deemed to control these subsidiaries via its control of ISRG.

A  Associated undertaking.
J 

Joint venture.

218

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

As at 29 January 2022

Assets 

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Right-of-use assets

Investment property 

Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Trade and other receivables

Deferred tax assets 

Total non-current assets 

Stocks 

Trade and other receivables

Right of return assets

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Lease liabilities 

Provisions

Income tax liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Provisions

Lease liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Total assets less total liabilities 

Capital and reserves 

Issued ordinary share capital 

Share premium 

Share-based payment reserve

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

As at 
29 January 
2022
£m

As at  
30 January  

2021
£m

 Note 

C5

C6

C7

C8

C9

C9

C11

C15

C10

C11

C12

C13

C7

C22

C14

C22

C7

C16

C16

C16

28.2

137.5

445.2

14.8

947.0

55.9

512.2

5.8

28.9

135.6

366.9

2.8

532.2

2.5

–

3.4

2,146.6

1,072.3

192.4

160.2

6.1

572.2

930.9

3,077.5

193.0

502.1

–

398.0

1,093.1

2,165.4

(465.3)

(436.0)

(73.3)

(8.9)

(0.9)

(61.9)

–

(8.9)

(548.4)

(506.8)

(6.5)

(10.9)

(428.1)

(445.5)

(993.9)

2,083.6

2.6

467.5

0.1

1,613.4

2,083.6

(8.0)

–

(371.2)

(379.2)

(886.0)

1,279.4

2.4

11.7

–

1,265.3

1,279.4

The profit for the year in the accounts of the Company is £363.0 million (2021: £130.1 million).

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income 
statement and related notes. The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 June 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:

N Greenhalgh
Director

Registered number: 1888425

219

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the 52 weeks ended 29 January 2022

Balance at 1 February 2020 

Profit for the period 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Balance at 30 January 2021 

Profit for the period 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Dividends to equity holders

Share-based payment charge

Issue of share capital

Balance at 29 January 2022 

Ordinary share 
capital
£m

Share  

premium
£m

Share-based 
payments 
reserve 
£m

2.4

–

–

2.4

–

–

–

–

0.2

2.6

11.7

–

–

11.7

–

–

–

–

455.8

467.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

0.1

Retained 
earnings 
£m

1,135.2

130.1

130.1

1,265.3

363.0

363.0

(14.9)

–

–

1,613.4

Total  

equity
£m

1,149.3

130.1

130.1

1,279.4

363.0

363.0

(14.9)

0.1

456.0

2,083.6

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

220

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C1. Basis of Preparation

The Parent Company financial statements of JD Sports Fashion Plc were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (‘FRS 101’). 

In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of 
International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of UK-adopted International Accounting Standards 
(‘Adopted IFRSs’), but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with Companies Act 2006 and has set out 
below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken.

In these financial statements, the Company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the 
following disclosures: 

 – a Cash Flow Statement and related notes; 
 – comparative period reconciliations for share capital, tangible fixed assets, intangible assets and investment properties; 
 – disclosures in respect of transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries; 
 – disclosures in respect of capital management; 
 – the effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs;
 – disclosures in respect of the compensation of Key Management Personnel; and
 – disclosures of transactions with a management entity that provides key management personnel services to the Company.

As the consolidated financial statements of JD Sports Fashion Plc include the equivalent disclosures, the Company has also 
taken advantage of the exemptions under FRS 101 available in respect of the following disclosures:

 – certain disclosures required by IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ in respect of the impairment of goodwill and indefinite life 

intangible assets; 

 – certain disclosures required by IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ in respect of disaggregation of revenue 

and performance obligations;

 – certain disclosures required by IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ in respect of the Company acting as a lessor;
 – certain disclosures required by IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ in respect of business combinations undertaken by the 

Company; and 

 – certain disclosures required by IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ and the disclosures required by IFRS 7 ‘Financial 

Instrument Disclosures’.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income 
statement and related notes.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in 
these financial statements. 

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention except as 
disclosed in the accounting policies in Note 1 of the Group financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in 
conformity with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its 
judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement 
or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are the same for the 
Company as they are for the Group. For further details, see page 148 and 149 in the Group financial statements.

C2. Directors’ Remuneration

The remuneration of Executive Directors for both the Company and Group are disclosed in Note 5 of the Group financial statements.

C3. Auditor’s Remuneration 

Fees payable to the Company’s Auditor for the audit of the Company and Group financial statements are disclosed in Note 3 
of the Group financial statements.

221

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

C4. Staff Numbers and Costs

The average number of persons employed by the Company (including Directors) during the period, analysed by category, 
was as follows:

Sales and distribution 

Administration 

Full-time equivalents 

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Pension costs 

Other employed staff costs 

C5. Intangible Assets

2022

16,800

661

17,461

11,239

2021

15,510

619

16,129

10,388

52 weeks to 
29 January 
2022
£m

266.3

19.3

3.9

0.2

289.7

52 weeks to 
30 January  

2021
£m

188.4

13.7

3.6

–

205.7

Goodwill in the Company comprises the goodwill on acquisition of First Sport (£15.0 million) and Allsports (£0.9 million).

Brand licences in the Company comprise all brand licences Included in the Group table (Note 12) within the Sport Fashion 
segment, with the exclusion of the Lotto and Umbro brand licences, which are held within Marketing Investment Group S.A., 
and the Missy Empire brand licence, which is included within Uggbugg Fashion Limited. Brand licences are stated at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 

Brand names in the Company comprise all brand names included in the Group table (Note 12) within the Sport Fashion 
segment, with the exclusion of the Duffer brand name, which is included within Duffer of St George Limited, and the 
Doone brand name, which is included in the Sport Zone group.

Included within the amortisation charge for the period ended 29 January 2022 is accelerated amortisation of £0.4 million 
(2021: £4.0 million) following a review of the useful economic life of certain items of software development capitalised. 

Goodwill 
£m

Brand  
licences 
£m

Brand  
names 
£m

Software 
development 
£m

19.9 

–

19.9

4.0 

–

4.0

15.9

15.9 

15.5 

5.2

20.7

13.2 

0.8

14.0

6.7

2.3 

7.4 

–

7.4

7.4 

–

7.4

–

–

43.9 

2.6

46.5

33.2 

7.7

40.9

5.6

10.7 

Total 
£m

86.7 

7.8

94.5

57.8 

8.5

66.3

28.2

28.9 

Cost or valuation 

At 30 January 2021 

Additions 

At 29 January 2022 

Amortisation and impairment 

At 30 January 2021 

Charge for the period 

At 29 January 2022 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2022 

At 30 January 2021 

222

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022C6. Property, Plant and Equipment

Included within the depreciation charge for the period ended 29 January 2022 is accelerated depreciation of £6.7 million 
(2021: £16.5 million) following a review of the useful economic life of certain items of property, plant and equipment and 
assets capitalised. 

Cost 

At 30 January 2021 

Additions 

Disposals 

Reclassifications to other asset categories 

At 29 January 2022 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 30 January 2021 

Charge for period 

Disposals 

Reclassifications to other asset categories 

At 29 January 2022 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2022 

At 30 January 2021 

Improvements 
to short 
leasehold 
properties 
£m

Land and 
buildings 
£m

Computer 
equipment 
£m

Fixtures and 
fittings 
£m

Motor  

vehicles
£m

16.9

–

–

(3.9)

13.0

3.1

0.2

–

0.4

3.7

9.3

13.8

21.3

3.6

(0.5)

(2.4)

22.0

19.0

3.4

(0.4)

(4.6)

17.4

4.6

2.3

50.0

8.9

(0.1)

–

58.8

43.8

6.8

(0.1)

–

50.5

8.3

6.2

283.1

33.1

(3.3)

–

312.9

169.8

30.5

(2.7)

–

197.6

115.3

113.3

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

Total 
£m

371.4

45.6

(3.9)

(6.3)

406.8

235.8

40.9

(3.2)

(4.2)

269.3

137.5

135.6

223

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

C7. Leases

The Company has adopted the same accounting policies as the Group in respect of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ and adopted IFRS 16 
on 3 February 2019. Details of the accounting policies applied from 3 February 2019 onwards can be found in Note 1 to the 
Group financial statements on page 150 and Note 14 to the Group financial statements on page 179 and 180.

The Company leases assets including land and buildings, vehicles, machinery and IT equipment. Information about leases 
for which the Company is a lessee is presented below.

Right-of-use assets

Cost

At 30 January 2021

Additions

Disposals

Remeasurement adjustments

At 29 January 2022

Depreciation and impairment 

At 30 January 2021

Depreciation charge for the period

Disposals

At 29 January 2022

Net book value

At 29 January 2022

At 30 January 2021

Lease liabilities

Maturity analysis – contractual undiscounted cash flows

Less than one year

One to five years

More than five years 

Total undiscounted lease liabilities

Lease liabilities included in the Statement of Financial Position

Current

Non-current

Total

Property 
£m

Vehicles and 
equipment 
£m

509.0

132.5

(8.7)

15.9

648.7

143.4

64.5

(3.7)

204.2

444.5

365.6

3.0

–

–

–

3.0

1.7

0.6

–

2.3

0.7

1.3

Total 
£m

512.0

132.5

(8.7)

15.9

651.7

145.1

65.1

(3.7)

206.5

445.2

366.9

As at 2022
£m

As at 2021
£m

79.7

252.6

224.7

557.0

73.3

428.1

501.4

76.4

235.0

190.2

501.6

61.9

371.2

433.1

As at 29 January 2022, the weighted average discount rate applied to the lease portfolio of the Company is 2.7% (2021: 3.2%).

Amounts recognised in profit or loss

Interest on lease liabilities 

Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liabilities

Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets

Expenses relating to short-term leases and low-value leases 

Impairment of right-of-use assets

224

52 weeks to  
29 January 
2022
 £m

12.6

8.7

0.1

0.3

–

52 weeks to  
30 January  

2021
 £m

13.4

2.9

0.1

0.3

0.3

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022C8. Investment Property

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment 
losses. Investment property is depreciated over a period of 50 years on a straight-line basis, with the exception of freehold 
land, which is not depreciated. The Company has not elected to revalue investment property annually but to disclose the 
fair value below. An external valuation to determine the fair value is prepared every three years by persons having the 
appropriate professional experience. When an external valuation is not prepared, an annual assessment is conducted 
using internal expertise.

Cost 

At 30 January 2021

Additions

Reclassifications from other asset categories

At 29 January 2022 

Depreciation and impairment 

At 30 January 2021

Charge for period 

Reclassifications to other asset categories

At 29 January 2022 

Net book value

At 29 January 2022 

At 30 January 2021

£m

4.8

7.8

3.9

16.5

2.0

0.1

(0.4)

1.7

14.8

2.8

The investment properties brought forward relate to properties leased to Focus Brands Limited (£4.2 million) and Kukri Sports 
Limited (£0.6 million). These properties remain investment properties from the Company perspective as at 29 January 2022. 
Based on an external valuation prepared as at 31 December 2021, the fair value of these investment properties as at that date 
was £5.8 million.

During the year ended 29 January 2022, the Company purchased the freehold of two sites which trade as Go Outdoors Retail 
Limited (cost of £7.8 million). A further site leased to Go Outdoors Retail Limited, previously recognised as land and buildings 
within property, plant and equipment, has been reclassified into investment property (cost £3.9 million). The Directors 
consider the cost of these properties to represent current fair value. Additionally, an amount of £0.4 million in accumulated 
depreciation has been reclassified to property, plant and equipment. 

The rental income from investment properties recognised in the Company accounts is £0.6 million (2021: £0.3 million). 

The Directors do not consider the investment properties to be impaired as the future rental income supports the carrying value.

225

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

C9. Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures

In the Company’s accounts, all investments in subsidiary undertakings, associates and joint ventures are stated at cost less 
provisions for impairment losses. A list of subsidiaries is disclosed in Note 35 of the Group financial statements.

Investments in subsidiaries

Cost 

At 30 January 2021 

Additions 

Disposals (see note below)

At 29 January 2022 

Impairment 

At 30 January 2021 

Impairments 

At 29 January 2022 

Net book value 

At 29 January 2022 

At 30 January 2021 

The additions to investments in subsidiaries in the current year comprise the following. Unless otherwise stated, the 
investment is 100% owned.

Genesis Topco Inc – 80%

Marketing Investment Group S.A. – 60%

Cosmos Sports Commercial, Hotel and Tourism Société Anonyme – 80%

XLR8 Sports Limited

Hairburst Holding Group Limited – 75%

Wheelbase Lakeland Limited – 77.5%

80s Casual Classics Limited – 70%

Uggbugg Fashion Limited – 51%

Iberian Sports Retail Group S.L. – 50.01% (see note below)

Other

Total additions

£m

621.4

429.6

(12.3)

1,038.7

89.2

2.5

91.7

947.0

532.2

£m

175.8

66.0

65.0

36.8

26.2

22.2

15.4

11.7

8.2

2.3

429.6

During the financial period ended 29 January 2022, the share capital of Sports Unlimited Retail B.V. (a 100% owned subsidiary) 
was sold by JD Sports Fashion Plc to Iberian Sports Retail Group S.L. (a 50.01% owned subsidiary). The transfer was a common 
control transaction and resulted in the disposal of JD Sports Fashion Plc’s investment in Sports Unlimited Retail B.V. of 
£12.3 million and an additional investment by JD Sports Fashion Plc in Iberian Sports Retail Group S. L. of £8.2 million.

226

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022C9. Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures (continued)

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Cost and net book value

At 30 January 2021 

Additions 

Share of profit

Dividends

At 29 January 2022 

Associates
£m

Joint ventures
£m

2.5

29.5

2.8

(6.9)

27.9

–

27.6

0.4

–

28.0

2022
£m

2.5

57.1

3.2

(6.9)

55.9

Details of the amounts included in the table above are disclosed in Note 15 of the Group financial statements. Investments in 
associates and joint ventures in the Company comprise all those included in the Group table (Note 15), with the exclusion of 
the investment in The Couture Club Limited (£0.3 million), which is held by 2Squared Agency Limited.

C10. Stocks

Finished goods and goods for resale

2022
£m

192.4

2021
£m

193.0

The Company has £22.5 million (2021: £19.7 million) of stock provisions at the end of the period. Cost of inventories includes 
a net charge of £7.6 million (2021: £7.3 million) in relation to net provisions recognised against inventories. £9.2 million of 
the inventory provision was utilised during the period against the write down of inventory (2021: £6.6 million). There were 
no reversals of inventory write downs in either the current or prior period.

Included within inventories is £2.4 million of deferred supplier rebates (2021: £1.6 million). 

C11. Trade and Other Receivables

Current assets 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Amounts owed by other Group companies 

Non-current assets 

Amounts owed by other Group companies

Forward contract assets

2022
£m

5.9

21.8

30.9

101.6

160.2

2022
£m

509.7

2.5

512.2

2021
£m

5.1

1.0

24.5

471.5

502.1

2021
£m

–

–

–

The Directors have assessed and concluded at the reporting date that a portion of receivables due from other Group companies 
is expected to be realised in more than 12 months from the date of the Statement of Financial Position. As such, the assets 
have been categorised accordingly.

227

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

C11. Trade and Other Receivables (continued) 

A summary of the Company’s exposure to credit risk for trade receivables is as follows:

Not past due

Past due 0–30 days

Past due 30–60 days

Past 60 days

2022 

Gross
£m

Provision
£m

4.0

0.7

0.6

0.9

6.2

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

Net
£m

4.0

0.7

0.6

0.6

5.9

2021

Gross
£m

Provision
£m

0.7

1.3

0.6

2.8

5.4

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

Net
£m

0.7

1.3

0.6

2.5

5.1

At 29 January 2022, the exposure to credit risk for trade receivables by geographic region was as follows:

Trade receivables

UK 

Europe 

Rest of world 

Total 

As at  
29 January 
2022
Total 
£m

4.2

1.2

0.8

6.2

As at  
30 January  

2021
Total 
£m

4.3

0.8

0.3

5.4

At 29 January 2022, the exposure to credit risk for trade receivables by type of counter-party was as follows:

Trade receivables

Supplier rebates

Amounts owed by associates and joint ventures

Other

Total

As at  
29 January 
2022
Total 
£m

3.2

0.2

2.8

6.2

As at  
30 January  

2021
Total 
£m

5.4

–

–

5.4

At 29 January 2022, the carrying amount of the Company’s most significant customer was £0.4 million (2021: £1.7 million).

A summary of the Company’s exposure to credit risk for trade receivables is as follows:

Weighted 
average loss 
rate
%

Gross  
carrying 
amount
£m

Loss  

allowance
£m

Credit  

impaired
£m

–

–

–

–

100%

4.8%

4.0

0.7

0.6

0.6

0.3

6.2

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

As at 29 January 2022

Not past due

Past due 0–30 days

Past due 30–60 days

Past due 61–90 days

More than 90 days past due

Total

228

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022C11. Trade and Other Receivables (continued)

As at 30 January 2021

Not past due

Past due 0 – 30 days

Past due 30 – 60 days

Past due 61 – 90 days

More than 90 days past due

Total

Movement on this provision is shown below:

At 30 January 2021 

Created 

At 29 January 2022 

Weighted 
average loss 
rate
%

Gross  
carrying  
amount
£m

Loss  

allowance
£m

Credit  

impaired
£m

–

–

–

–

12.0%

5.6%

0.7

1.3

0.6

0.3

2.5

5.4

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

0.3 

–

0.3

Amounts Owed by Other Group Companies
The amounts owed by other Group companies is after recognising a provision of £76.8 million (2021: £114.8 million) against 
the balances outstanding at the end of the period. 

A summary of the Company’s exposure to credit risk for receivables due from other Group companies is as follows:

As at 29 January 2022

Repayable on demand (current)

Repayable on demand (non-current)

Total

As at 30 January 2021

Repayable on demand (current)

Weighted 
average loss 
rate
%

–%

13.1%

11.2%

Weighted 
average loss 
rate
%

19.6%

Gross  
carrying 
amount
£m

101.6

586.5

688.1

Gross  
carrying  
amount
£m

586.3

Loss  

allowance
£m

Credit  

impaired
£m

–

(76.8)

(76.8)

–

–

–

Loss  

allowance
£m

(114.8)

Credit  

impaired
£m

–

The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.

C12. Financial Instruments

Financial Assets
The currency profile of cash and cash equivalents is shown below:

Cash and cash equivalents

Sterling

Euros

US Dollars

Australian Dollars

Other

2022
£m

572.2

340.3

18.0

200.1

7.6

6.2

572.2

2021
£m

398.0

265.9

39.1

79.9

5.4

7.7

398.0

229

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

C12. Financial Instruments (continued)

Credit Risk
The Company has provided guarantees on working capital and other banking facilities entered into by Spodis SA (€1.6 million) 
and Kukri Sports Limited and Kukri GB Limited (£1.0 million). In addition, the syndicated committed £700 million bank facility, 
which was in place as at 29 January 2022, encompassed cross guarantees between the Company, Blacks Outdoor Retail 
Limited, Tessuti Limited, Go Outdoors Retail Limited, The Finish Line Inc, The Finish Line USA Inc, Genesis Holdings Inc, 
Genesis Topco Inc, Shoe Palace Corporation, Terminus Bidco Inc, DTLR Villa LLC, Genesis Finco Limited, Focus Brands Limited 
and Focus International Limited, to the extent to which any of these companies were overdrawn. As at 29 January 2022, these 
facilities were drawn down by £nil (2021: £nil).

Fair Values
The fair values together with the carrying amounts shown in the Balance Sheet as at 29 January 2022 are as follows:

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other creditors – current 

Trade and other creditors – non-current 

Unrecognised gains 

Note 

C11

Carrying 
amount 
2022
 £m

639.0

572.2

(397.8)

(6.5)

806.9

–

Fair  
value 
2022
 £m

639.0

572.2

(397.8)

(6.5)

806.9

–

Fair Value Hierarchy
For information on Company balances which are categorised at the same level as for the Group, see Note 21. In addition, 
investment property held in the Company of £14.8 million (2021: £2.8 million) is categorised as Level 3 within the fair 
value hierarchy.

C13. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Trade creditors 

Other creditors and accrued expenses 

Refund liabilities

Other tax and social security costs 

Amounts payable to other Group companies 

C14. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year

Other creditors and accrued expenses

C15. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Recognised Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment 

Other 

Tax assets/(liabilities) 

Assets 
2022
£m

1.8

4.0

5.8

Assets 
2021
£m

Liabilities 
2022
£m

Liabilities 
2021
£m

1.1

2.3

3.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

230

2022
£m

163.0

234.4

11.8

22.4

33.7

465.3

2022
£m

6.5

Net 
2022
£m

1.8

4.0

5.8

2021
£m

199.2

184.0

11.9

9.1

31.8

436.0

2021
£m

8.0

Net 
2021
£m

1.1

2.3

3.4

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022C15. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (continued)

Movement in Deferred Tax during the Period

Balance at 1 February 2020

Recognised in income 

Balance at 30 January 2021

Recognised in income 

Balance at 29 January 2022 

Property, plant 
and equipment
£m

(1.2)

2.3

1.1

0.7

1.8

Other
£m

2.2

0.1

2.3

1.7

4.0

Total
£m

1.0

2.4

3.4

2.4

5.8

The Finance Bill 2021 included an increase to the UK corporation tax rate to 25% from 19% from 1 April 2023 for certain 
companies. This increase was substantially enacted on 24 May 2021. Under IAS 12, deferred tax is required to be calculated 
using rates that have been substantively enacted at the Balance Sheet date. Consequently, the deferred tax asset and liability 
have been calculated based on a rate of 25%.

We are closely monitoring the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Two Pillar Solution to Address the 
Tax Challenges arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy, which are expected to be enacted in 2022 with application from 
1 January 2023. The accounting implications under IAS 12 will be determined when the relevant legislation is available.

C16. Capital

Issued ordinary share capital, share premium and the share-based payment reserve for both the Company and Group are 
disclosed in Note 25 of the Group financial statements.

C17. Dividends

After the reporting date, the dividend proposed by both Company and Group Directors is disclosed in Note 27 of the Group 
financial statements. 

C18. Commitments

As at 29 January 2022, the Company had entered into contracts to purchase property, plant and equipment as follows:

Contracted

2022
£m

8.2

2021
£m

8.0

In December 2021, the Company signed a contract with ABG Reebok LLC to license the Reebok brand in various territories. 
The agreement is subject to terms and conditions and was not effective until after the 29 January 2022 financial year-end. 
As a result, the Company has not recognised an intangible asset for the use of the brand on the Balance Sheet at 29 January 
2022 or a liability for the discounted contractual minimum royalty payments under the initial 10 year term of £73.1 million.

C19. Related Party Transactions and Balances

Transactions and balances with each category of related parties during the period are shown below. Transactions were 
undertaken in the ordinary course of business on an arm’s length basis. Outstanding balances are unsecured (unless 
otherwise stated) and will be settled in cash.

Transactions with Related Parties Who Are Not Members of the Group
Pentland Group Limited
During the period, the Company entered into the following transactions with Pentland Group Limited:

Purchase of inventory

Marketing costs

Other income

Income from 
related parties
2022
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2022
£m

Income from 
related parties
2021
£m

–

0.1

–

(18.1)

–

(0.1)

–

–

–

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2021
£m

(26.0)

–

–

231

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

C19. Related Party Transactions and Balances (continued)

Transactions with Related Parties Who Are Not Members of the Group (continued)
At the end of the period, the Company had the following balances outstanding with Pentland Group Limited:

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2021
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2021
£m

Trade receivables/(payables)

0.1

(0.3)

–

(0.1)

Associates and Joint Ventures
During the period, the Company entered into the following transactions with its associates and joint ventures:

Purchase of inventory

Dividends and distributions received

Income from 
related parties
2022
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2022
£m

Income from 
related parties
2021
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2021
£m

–

6.9

(5.1)

–

–

–

–

–

At the end of the period, the Company had the following balances outstanding with its associates and joint ventures:

Other receivables

Trade payables

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2022
£m

Income from 
related parties
2021
£m

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2021
£m

0.2

–

–

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

Other receivables from associates and joint ventures relate to costs incurred by the Company on behalf of these entities, 
which have then been recharged. 

£25,000 of invoices from Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP in respect of professional fees were accrued in the 
financial year ended 29 January 2022 and paid post year-end (2021: £3,300). Peter Cowgill is indirectly a member of this 
Limited Liability Partnership through his membership of Cowgill Holloway LLP who are then a member of Cowgill Holloway 
Business Recovery LLP. Peter Cowgill does not participate in any profit share arrangement relating to either Cowgill Holloway 
LLP or Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP. In addition, Cowgill Holloway LLP (including member firms of Cowgill 
Holloway LLP) has acted on behalf of certain vendors where the Group has ultimately completed an acquisition. Where this 
has occurred, there has been no monetary payments between the Group and Cowgill Holloway LLP (including its member 
firms).

Transactions with Related Parties Who Are Members of the Group
Subsidiaries
In the disclosure that follows, the Company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of transactions with 
wholly owned subsidiaries.

Loans represent historic intercompany balances and initial investment in subsidiary undertakings to enable them to purchase 
other businesses. For subsidiaries with a non-controlling interest, these long-term loans attract interest at the UK base rate 
plus an applicable margin. 

Other intercompany balances and trade receivables/payables relate to: 

 – the sale and purchase of stock between the Company and its subsidiaries on arm’s length terms; 
 – the charge for the use of the JD IP; and 
 – recharges for administrative overhead and distribution costs. 

Other intercompany balances are settled a month in arrears. These balances do not accrue interest. In certain circumstances 
where the subsidiaries have not repaid these balances, they have been reclassified to long-term loans, and therefore accrue 
interest as applicable.

232

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022C19. Related Party Transactions and Balances (continued)

Transactions with Related Parties Who Are Members of the Group (continued)
During the period, the Company entered into the following transactions with subsidiaries not wholly owned:

Sale/(purchase) of inventory

Interest receivable

Dividend income received

Rental income

IP licence fee

Management charge receivable

Income from 
related parties
2022
£m

96.0

3.8

9.0

0.1

38.3

3.5

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2022
£m

(0.9)

–

–

–

–

–

Income from 
related parties
2021
£m

150.5

4.0

3.8

0.1

28.9

2.3

Expenditure 
with related 
parties
2021
£m

(1.4)

–

–

–

–

–

At the end of the period, the Company had the following balances outstanding with subsidiaries not wholly owned:

Non-trading loan receivable

Non-trading loan receivable (interest-bearing)

Trade receivables 

Other intercompany balances

Income tax group relief

C20. Contingent Liabilities

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2022
£m

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
2021
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
2021
£m

85.9

142.4

26.4

0.1

8.0

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

50.2

111.5

22.5

–

0.6

–

–

–

(3.4)

–

The activities of the Company are overseen by a number of regulators and, whilst the Company strives to ensure full compliance 
with all its regulatory obligations, periodic reviews are inevitable which may result in a financial penalty. If the risk of a financial 
penalty arising from one of these reviews is more than remote but not probable or cannot be measured reliably then the 
Company will disclose this matter as a contingent liability. If the risk of a financial penalty is considered probable and can be 
measured reliably then the Company would make a provision for this matter.

CMA Investigation
On 23 September 2021, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation under section 25 of the 
Competition Act 1998 (‘CA98’) into suspected breaches of competition law by Leicester City Football Club Limited and 
JD Sports Fashion Plc, together with their affiliates. JD continues to co-operate fully with the CMA. The CMA has not reached 
a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue a statement of objections 
or, ultimately, an infringement decision, to any party under investigation. Therefore, at this stage, it is not possible to determine 
with sufficient certainty that a liability will ultimately arise. Indeed, not all cases result in the CMA issuing a statement of 
objections or an infringement decision. The CMA has indicated that it will publish a further update in September 2022. 

Guarantees
Where the Company enters into contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its Group, the Company 
treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be 
required to make a payment under the guarantee.

The Company has provided the following guarantees:

 – Guarantee on the working capital facilities and bonds and guarantees in Spodis SA of €1.6 million (2021: €6.6 million).
 – Guarantee on the working capital facilities in Kukri Sports Limited and Kukri GB Limited of £1.0 million (2021: £1.0 million).
 – Guarantee to Kiddicare Properties Limited in relation to the rental commitments on four stores assigned to Blacks Outdoor 
Retail Limited. The total value of the remaining rental commitments at 29 January 2022 was £0.2 million (2021: £1.3 million).

 – Guarantee on loan facility with HSBC in JD Australia of 1.1 million AUD (2021: 1.1 million AUD).
 – Guarantee on rental commitments for JD Sports Fashion BV in relation to warehouse rental costs. The total value of the 

remaining commitments at 29 January 2022 was £37.1 million (2021: £nil).

 – Guarantee on overdraft facility with Lloyds for Tiso Limited of £5.7 million (2021: £5.7 million).

233

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

C21. Ultimate Parent Company

The immediate parent undertaking is Pentland Group (Trading) Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. 
R S Rubin and his close family are considered the ultimate controlling party by virtue of their control of Pentland Group 
Holdings Limited (a company registered in Jersey). Consolidated financial statements will be prepared by Pentland Group 
Holdings Limited, which is the parent undertaking of the smallest and largest group of undertakings to consolidate these 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. The consolidated financial statements of Pentland Group 
Holdings Limited can be obtained from the company’s registered office at 26 New Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RA. 
The consolidated financial statements of JD Sports Fashion Plc are available to the public and may be obtained from 
The Company Secretary, JD Sports Fashion Plc, Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR or online at www.jdplc.com.

C22. Provisions 

A provision is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when the Company has a present legal or 
constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is more likely than not that an outflow of economic benefits will be 
required to settle the obligation and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Property Provision
Within property provisions, management has provided for expected dilapidations on stores and warehouses. This provision 
covers expected dilapidation costs for any lease considered onerous, any related to stores recently closed, stores which are 
planned to close or at risk of closure and those under contract but not currently in use. Management maintain all properties 
to a high standard and carry out repairs whenever necessary during their tenure. Therefore, if there is no risk of closure, any 
provision would be minimal and management do not consider it necessary to hold dilapidations for these properties.

Other Provision
Included in other provisions is £2.0 million in respect of the CMA’s ongoing investigation into the sale of the Rangers FC 
branded replica football shirts. This provision represents management’s best estimate of the liability payable in respect of 
this matter, including associated legal costs, based on the information available to it at the date of approving these financial 
statements which includes consideration of the provisional Statement of Objections which the CMA issued on 7 June 2022. 
The CMA’s findings are, at this stage, only provisional and the Company will review them with its advisors. The CMA will 
consider any representations that are made before issuing its final findings and accordingly the amount to be settled 
could be materially different to the amount provided. The CMA has not yet confirmed when it will release its final 
decision on this matter but the Company currently expects to this to occur within 12 months of the date of approval 
of these financial statements along with any related outflows. 

The remaining balance in other provisions is made up of various other trade provisions and legal costs. The provisions are 
estimated based on accumulated experience, supplier communication and management approved forecasts.

Balance at 1 February 2020 and 30 January 2021

Provisions reclassified from accruals

Provisions released during the year

Provisions created during the year

Provisions utilised during the year

Balance at 29 January 2022

Property 
provision
£m

 Other  

provision
£m

–

6.5

(0.7)

5.3

(0.2)

10.9

–

13.8

(6.4)

4.3

(2.8)

8.9

Total
£m

–

20.3

(7.1)

9.6

(3.0)

19.8

The £5.3 million of property provision created in the year relates to the provision for expected dilapidations for the UK 
Distribution Centre and across a number of stores in the portfolio.

£4.8 million of the other provisions released the year arises following settlement of an ongoing legal case during the year. 
The £4.3 million of other provisions created in the year relates to various trade provisions and legal costs.

Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

Current

Non-current 

2022
£m

8.9

10.9

19.8

2021
£m

–

–

–

C23. Post Balance Sheet Events

Please refer to Note 34 in the Group accounts for disclosure of the post Balance Sheet events impacting JD Sports Fashion Plc. 

234

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Annual General Meeting

Period End (52 Weeks)

Friday, 22 July 2022

Saturday, 28 January 2023

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Registered office
JD Sports Fashion Plc
Hollinsbrook Way
Pilsworth
Bury
Lancashire BL9 8RR 

Financial advisors 
and stockbrokers
Investec Bank plc
30 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QP 

Peel Hunt LLP
7th Floor
100 Liverpool Street
London EC2M 2AT

Principal bankers
Barclays Bank Plc
43 High Street
Sutton
Surrey SM1 1DR

Solicitors
Addleshaw Goddard LLP
1 St. Peter’s Square
Manchester M2 3DE

Linklaters LLP
One Silk Street
London EC2Y 8HQ

Company number
Registered in England 
and Wales,
Number 1888425

Financial public relations
Finsbury Glover Hering
The Adelphi
1-11 John Adam Street
London WC2N 6HT

Registrars
Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Auditor
KPMG LLP
1 St. Peter’s Square
Manchester M2 3AE

235

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup InformationJD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE YEAR RECORD (UNAUDITED)

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

53 weeks to 
3 February  

52 weeks to 
2 February  

52 weeks to 
1 February  

52 weeks to 
30 January  

52 weeks to 
29 January  

2018
£m

3,161.4

2019
£m

2020

£m(iv)

2021
£m

2022
£m

4,717.8

6,110.8

6,167.3

8,563.0

(1,629.8)

(2,474.5)

(3,236.0)

(3,205.7)

(4,355.0)

1,531.6

2,243.3

2,874.8

2,961.6

4,208.0

Selling and distribution expenses 

(1,080.5)

(1,632.9)

(2,020.2)

(2,126.4)

(2,808.1)

Administrative expenses – normal

Administrative expenses – exceptional 

Administrative expenses 

Other operating income 

Operating profit 

Before exceptional items 

Exceptional items 

Operating profit before financing 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Profit before tax 

Income tax expense 

Profit for the period 

Attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Attributable to non-controlling interest 

Basic earnings per ordinary share(i)

Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share(i)(ii)

Dividends per ordinary share(i)(iii)

(144.7)

(12.9)

(157.6)

2.4

295.9

308.8

(12.9)

295.9

0.6

(2.0)

294.5

(58.1)

236.4

231.9

4.5

4.77p

5.03p

0.33p

(253.6)

(15.3)

(268.9)

4.7

346.2

361.5

(15.3)

346.2

1.2

(7.5)

339.9

(75.7)

264.2

261.8

2.4

5.38p

5.69p

0.34p

(348.6)

(90.3)

(438.9)

10.9

426.6

516.9

(90.3)

426.6

1.7

(79.8)

348.5

(97.8)

250.7

246.1

4.6

5.06p

6.85p

0.06p

(381.2)

(97.3)

(478.5)

28.3

385.0

482.3

(97.3)

385.0

1.5

(62.5)

324.0

(94.8)

229.2

224.3

4.9

4.61p

6.44p

0.29p

(413.4)

(292.5)

(705.9)

27.2

721.2

1,013.7

(292.5)

721.2

1.4

(67.9)

654.7

(195.1)

459.6

369.7

89.9

7.17p

12.84p

0.35p

(i)  Basic and adjusted earnings per ordinary share and dividends per ordinary share have been adjusted to reflect the share sub-division effective 

30 November 2021, as if the event had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

(ii)  Adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share is based on earnings excluding the post-tax effect of certain exceptional items (see Note 10).
(iii) Represents dividends declared for the year. Under IFRS, dividends are only accrued when approved.
(iv) 52 weeks to 1 February 2020 reflects the application of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ for the first time, impacting operating profit and financial expenses.

236

JD Sports Fashion Plc Annual Report and Accounts 2022© JD Sports Fashion Plc 2022

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