On 13 October 2026, Independent Football Regulator chair David Kogan said he would step down if any political interference affected the regulator’s handling of Manchester City’s financial‑rules case, underscoring the watchdog’s claim to absolute independence.
On 13 October 2026, David Kogan, chair of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), announced he would resign should he encounter political pressure over the ongoing investigation into Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches. The statement was made at the launch of the regulator’s State of the Game report and was reported by both the Guardian and the BBC.
Background
An independent commission earlier this year concluded that Manchester City had breached Premier League financial rules over a nine‑year period from 2009 to 2018, using sham contracts with commercial partners to funnel more than £830 million into the club’s operations. The club has denied the findings and lodged an appeal, leaving the final outcome pending.
Kogan, as IFR chair, holds statutory powers to assess the “fit and proper” status of club owners, directors and senior executives. If an owner fails the regulator’s fitness test on grounds such as integrity, honesty or financial soundness, the IFR can compel a sale of the club. He noted that the regulator is preparing to introduce a new licensing regime for clubs later this season.
The political backdrop intensified after Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly expressed concern that the Abu Dhabi United Group, Manchester City’s owners, might consider selling the club. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch subsequently demanded full disclosure of any meetings between the prime minister and senior City figures, and the government released those details on the Monday preceding Kogan’s remarks.
In response to the mounting scrutiny, Kogan told BBC Sport that “any politician who tries to meddle in this for political purposes is welcome to try, but I will resign.” He added that the regulator has faced no political pressure to date and that its processes are governed solely by statute.
Kogan’s pledge underscores the regulator’s effort to maintain credibility while clubs could be required to fund any legal challenges through a levy. The outcome of Manchester City’s appeal will test the IFR’s independence and its capacity to enforce the forthcoming licensing framework.