Football regulator chair says he would quit over government interference in City case
David Kogan, chair of the Independent Football Regulator, says he would resign if the government tried to influence how the regulator responds to Manchester City’s alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. He says he has faced no political pressure, while stressing that the regulator could assess City’s owners if the independent commission’s verdict is upheld after the club’s appeal.
The regulator’s new licensing regime is due later this season, and it can require a club to be sold if an owner fails tests of integrity, honesty and financial soundness. The regulator’s report found that 94% of 116 clubs in its remit made a loss in 2025-26, while the highest-earning Premier League club brought in 605 times the revenue of the lowest-earning National League club. Kogan said a redistribution deal between the Premier League and the English Football League could ease financial imbalances, including the effects of parachute payments.
- Kogan says he would quit if politically pressured over Manchester City.
- The regulator could require a sale if an owner fails its fitness test.
- A report found 94% of 116 clubs made losses in 2025-26.
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The Independent Football Regulator is a new body overseeing clubs in England’s top five men’s leagues. It is due to introduce a licensing system that will assess clubs and their owners, including whether owners are honest, reliable and financially sound.
Manchester City, a Premier League club, has been accused of breaking the league’s financial rules; the club has appealed against an independent commission’s verdict. The regulator could consider the club’s ownership if that verdict is upheld, but its role is separate from deciding the league case.
The regulator’s work comes amid large financial gaps between clubs: its report found that most clubs in its remit made a loss in 2025-26, while top-flight clubs can earn far more than those in lower divisions. Payments to clubs relegated from the Premier League, known as parachute payments, are part of debate about how money is shared across the leagues.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
An independent regulator must be free to apply its rules without government influence, especially in a high-profile case involving a powerful club. Kogan’s willingness to resign if pressured signals that decisions about alleged breaches and ownership standards should rest on evidence and established processes, helping protect public trust in football governance.
The case against
Government oversight can be legitimate when a regulator’s decisions have major consequences for clubs, supporters and the wider game, and elected officials may reasonably seek assurance that rules are applied fairly and consistently. On this view, scrutiny or policy guidance need not amount to improper interference, provided it does not dictate the outcome of City’s case or undermine the regulator’s independence.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Football regulator chair insists he will resign if politically pressured over Manchester City”.