Regulator can force Manchester City sale if appeal fails

The Independent Football Regulator chair confirmed it holds absolute power to compel a sale if Manchester City's appeal against financial rule breaches fails, with a final decision expected early next year.

The Independent Football Regulator has the power to force Manchester City's owners to sell the club if its appeal against a guilty verdict for financial rule breaches fails. Chair David Kogan confirmed the body's authority to compel a sale should the club ultimately be found to have been run improperly.

An independent commission found in September that City had breached Premier League and UEFA financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The commission determined the club used sham commercial arrangements to inflate revenues or reduce costs by a significant sum across nine seasons.

The regulator's authority

David Kogan, speaking on a podcast, was asked if an owner could refuse to divest. He stated they have absolute power to force a sale. Kogan explained the IFR can force an owner to step away if they run a club in a way that is not fit, fair or done with propriety. He stressed it was premature to discuss any action while the appeal process is ongoing and said he would not be pushed into a judgment until all questions were answered. Kogan has previously pledged to resign if there is any political interference in an IFR investigation.

Political and league context

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly stated he does not want City's owners removed, citing the club's role in building modern Manchester and its status as a global force. The Abu Dhabi United Group, an investment vehicle owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, holds majority ownership. Kogan stated he has come under no political pressure on this or any other topic. Meanwhile, the Financial Reporting Council confirmed it has assumed regulatory consideration of the matter and is making preliminary enquiries into the commission's findings.

The outcome of City's appeal is expected early next year. The club was also found to have made concerted efforts to frustrate the Premier League's initial investigation.

On the pitch, Manchester City continue their dominant form, sitting first in the Premier League with a perfect record from seven games. They are three points clear of Arsenal ahead of their next match, an away trip to face Aston Villa on Saturday. The team's recent fixtures show four wins from their last five outings, including a Champions League victory over AEK Athens on Tuesday.