David Kogan, chairman of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), has said he will resign if he encounters any political interference over the future of Manchester City. The IFR has the power to assess the suitability of club owners and executives, and if an independent commission's findings that the club broke Premier League financial rules are upheld, the watchdog would have to decide whether to force a sale.
The controversy follows comments by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was criticised for saying he would be "really concerned" if Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners decided to sell up. Kogan responded that the Prime Minister was entitled to his own observations, but stressed: "We are independent. That is in the name." The commission found City had broken rules between 2009 and 2018 by creating "sham" contracts to funnel more than £830m into football operations. City insist they are innocent and have appealed.
Some Premier League clubs were reportedly "astonished" by Burnham's stance and expressed concern about political interference in the appeal process. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded details of meetings between the Prime Minister and senior club figures, which the government released on Monday. Kogan's appointment has also faced scrutiny over his historic donations to the leadership campaigns of Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, prompting Shadow Culture Minister Louie French to raise concerns about fairness.
Kogan said any politician attempting to meddle would be unsuccessful. "Process is going to drive what we do," he said, adding that a sanctions hearing, which could take months to convene, will decide the punishment. City's possible penalties range from a huge fine and point deductions to ejection from the Premier League. Kogan called the case "very important" and said it raised "very serious issues" if the allegations are upheld on appeal.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing