Football regulator David Kogan: ‘I will quit if politics meddles in Man City case’

Football regulator David Kogan: ‘I will quit if politics meddles in Man City case’ Independent football regulator David Kogan has vowed to resign if the government tries to interfere in how the Manchester City financial charges are handled. Kogan insisted the Independent Football Regulator’s (IFR) autonomy was non-negotiable. Many are concerned that political and commercial ties between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates could influence its approach to the landmark case. Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said he would be really concerned if the case forced City owner Sheikh Mansour to sell the club. However, Kogan dismissed any suggestion that political pressure would affect the regulator’s decisions. “Our independence is absolute, and my independence, personally, is absolute,” he said at the launch of the IFR’s first State of the Game report (via The Times ). “Any form of political interference on the way we operate is going to result in my resigning from this role. And I stand by that completely.” The regulator’s intervention could have major consequences for City, who are appealing an independent commission’s verdict that they breached 114 Premier League financial rules. Once the appeal process concludes, the IFR will assess whether the club’s owners, directors and senior executives satisfy its suitability requirements. Depending on the outcome, Mansour could be required to sell his stake. IFR chief executive Richard Monks explained that an owner deemed unsuitable would be given a timeframe to sell. Failure to comply could result in the regulator appointing a third party to oversee the sale. However, City’s licensing application will not be assessed until their appeal has concluded. From next month, clubs across the Premier League, English Football League and National League will begin receiving licences based on financial stability, governance and fan engagement. Meanwhile, the IFR’s inaugural report has warned that English football’s finances are dangerously exposed, with 94% of clubs operating at a loss. The report also found that 73 of the 116 clubs across the three divisions could not survive 90 days without additional owner funding, while 32 would run out of money within a month. Kogan is pushing for a financial settlement between the Premier League and the EFL, delivering an additional £180m annually to lower-league clubs. He is also pushing for reforms to parachute payments for relegated sides.