The head of England’s independent football regulator, David Kogan, has announced that he would step down if he ever faced political pressure over the Manchester City case. Kogan, who chairs the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), said the watchdog must remain impartial and that any interference would force him to resign. The statement comes amid growing concerns that the UK government might influence the outcome of an independent commission’s findings that Manchester City breached Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
An independent panel last month concluded that City had created “sham” contracts with commercial partners to funnel more than £830 million into the club’s football operations, a breach that could lead to a forced sale of the club if upheld. The club has denied the allegations and is appealing the verdict. The commission’s report also noted that several witnesses gave false or dishonest evidence. The sanction hearing, which could take months, will decide whether City faces a hefty fine, point deductions, expulsion from the Premier League, or the stripping of trophies won during the period in question.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s earlier comments that he would be “really concerned” if the Abu Dhabi owners decided to sell the club have added to the tension. Kogan told BBC Sport that the Prime Minister is free to express his views but that the regulator operates independently and that no politician can influence its decisions. When asked what he would do if faced with political pressure, Kogan reiterated that he would resign. The government has released details of meetings between the Prime Minister and senior City figures, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for full disclosure of those discussions.
The Independent Football Regulator’s powers extend to individual owners, directors and senior executives, allowing it to assess whether they are fit to run a club safely and with probity. Kogan said the regulator will act only after the independent panel’s outcome is known, and that the process itself will guide any further action. He stressed the importance of resolving the case quickly, noting that the uncertainty surrounding the potential sanctions is already causing chaos for the club and the league.
Manchester City’s next steps will depend on the outcome of the appeal. If the club is found guilty, the IFR will have to decide whether to enforce a sale or impose other sanctions. The situation remains fluid, with the club and the Premier League awaiting the final decision from the independent commission.