David Kogan, the chairman of England’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR), has announced that he would step down if he faced any political pressure over the investigation into Manchester City’s alleged financial misconduct. The regulator, who oversees the suitability of club owners and executives, said that the independence of the IFR is paramount and that no politician could influence its work.
The dispute stems from an independent commission’s findings that Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The commission alleged that the club’s owners, Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), had inflated the value of commercial deals in a “disguised funding scheme” worth £830 million. Manchester City has denied the accusations and has appealed the decision. If the commission’s findings are upheld, the IFR could even force the club to be sold.
The controversy was sparked when Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester, publicly expressed concern that the scandal might lead to the sale of the club. Kogan told BBC Sport that the Prime Minister was free to make his own observations, but that the IFR remains independent. When asked what he would do if faced with political interference, Kogan said simply: “I would resign.”
The IFR’s mandate is governed by statute, and Kogan stressed that the regulator will follow its established procedures regardless of any political comments. He added that the IFR’s powers extend to individual owners, directors and senior executives, and that the regulator will assess whether those people are fit to run a club with probity. The IFR has not yet decided whether it will withhold a club licence from Manchester City, which is set to be awarded next month.
The independent commission’s 42‑day hearing in 2024 concluded that Manchester City was guilty of all charges except one relating to non‑cooperation with the Premier League investigation. The commission’s report also highlighted that several key witnesses provided false or dishonest evidence. The club can appeal both the guilty verdicts and any sanctions, which could include a large fine, points deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League.
Kogan said the outcome of the independent panel’s sanctions hearing would be closely watched and that the IFR would act if it found that owners or executives were unsuitable to run a club. He also clarified that the IFR does not have the authority to prevent state‑owned clubs from operating, and that it would not make general statements about the nature of ownership based on this case.
The next steps will involve the independent panel’s sanctions hearing, which could take several months. Manchester City’s appeal will determine whether the club faces penalties or a forced sale, while the IFR will continue to monitor the situation and uphold its statutory responsibilities.