The chairman of the Independent Football Regulator has pledged to resign if he faces political interference over the Manchester City case. David Kogan made the statement on Tuesday, defending the IFR's absolute independence as the club awaits a sanctions hearing.
"I would resign," Kogan said when asked what he would do if subjected to political pressure. "I made it very clear in an interview last year that if we experience any form of political interference on the way we operate it is going to result in my resigning from this role, and I stand by that completely."
He added that the regulator's course of action is governed by statute and will not be swayed by outside comment. "Our independence is absolute, and my independence personally is absolute," Kogan stated.
Political scrutiny
Politicians from both major parties have recently commented on the case. Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, said he would be "really concerned" if City's Abu Dhabi owners left the club following the verdict. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded transparency, leading the government to release details of meetings between the Prime Minister and senior City figures on Monday.
Shadow Culture Minister Louie French has also written to the government expressing concerns about the IFR's ability to adjudicate fairly. Some Premier League clubs were reportedly astonished by Burnham's initial stance, fearing political influence on the appeal process.
Regulator's powers and limits
Kogan clarified that while the IFR cannot block state ownership of clubs, it can assess the fitness of individual owners and executives. Its powers include disqualifying owners and forcing the sale of clubs. "We have no powers to prevent state ownership of clubs. It's not within our remit," he said.
When asked if the IFR could withhold a club license from Manchester City when it begins awarding them next month, Kogan declined to speculate. "I'm not going to begin to comment on any actions we may take until we've had a chance to assess it," he said.
City's position and potential sanctions
Manchester City continue to deny any wrongdoing and have appealed the guilty verdict delivered last month. An independent commission found the club broke Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period involving an alleged £830m disguised funding scheme. The club was found guilty on over 100 charges.
The commission's report stated that several important club witnesses gave false and dishonest evidence. A separate sanctions hearing will now determine the punishment, which could range from a heavy fine to a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. This process could take months to convene.
Kogan said the case raises "very serious issues" and that he thinks it is important it be resolved as soon as possible. The club's focus remains on the pitch, where they currently lead the Premier League standings with 18 points from six perfect wins. They have scored an average of 3.5 goal minutes per game this season and will look to continue that form in their next fixture, a home match against Ipswich this Friday.
Wider financial context
The IFR's comments came at the launch of its first 'State of the Game' report, which painted a stark picture of English football's finances. The report found 94 percent of clubs in the top five divisions were loss-making last season, with total debt forecast to rise above £5 billion.
Kogan described English club football as simultaneously the "richest, best and most deeply competitive in the world while also standing on the edge of financial disaster." The regulator's next steps regarding Manchester City will be watched closely as the club handles this unprecedented off-field challenge while maintaining its dominant form on it.
Further reading: BBC Sport Football
