IFR chairman David Kogan says he’ll resign if political interference endangers Manchester City.
As chair of the Independent Football Regulator, Kogan can judge whether owners and executives are fit to run clubs.
If the commission’s verdict that City breached Premier League finances holds, the watchdog could even order a sale.
Last month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned he’d be “really concerned” if the scandal forced the Abu Dhabi owners to sell.
“They’ve helped shape modern Manchester and turned City into a global powerhouse,” he added.
“We are independent. That’s in the name. I lead the Independent Football Regulator and independence drives everything we do.
“No politician has tried to sway, nor will they try to sway, any of our actions.
When pressed on political pressure, Kogan answered simply: “I would resign.”
An independent commission found City broke rules from 2009‑2018, with Abu Dhabi United Group inflating commercial deals by about £830 m in a disguised funding scheme.
City maintains innocence and has appealed, sparking worries that broader UAE investment in the UK could take a hit.
How much did Man City’s rule breaking cost your team?
The prime minister first voiced his concerns to the BBC, then later said his reaction didn’t “downplay the seriousness of the findings”.
Burnham’s former role as Greater Manchester mayor raises questions about his ties to City’s Abu Dhabi owners.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded full disclosure of meetings between the prime minister and senior club figures; the government complied on Monday.
Speaking at the IFR’s State of the Game launch, Kogan warned, “Our statutory roadmap is clear and no politician’s comment will alter our course.”
For my money, the regulator must stay truly independent, free from any political shadow.
Shadow Culture Minister Louie French wrote to the government, flagging worries that the IFR might not adjudicate the case impartially.
Kogan retorted, “Anyone trying to meddle for politics is welcome to try, but I’ll defend the probity of my organisation.”
The independent panel will schedule a sanctions hearing, a process that could stretch over months before deciding City’s fate.
The club can challenge both the verdict and any penalty, leaving the league in limbo.
Potential sanctions range from a massive fine to point deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League.
When asked about urgency, Kogan said, “I think it’s very important.”
He added the case is “raising very serious issues if Manchester City is found guilty on appeal.”
“We’re waiting like everyone else for the panel’s decision… then we’ll consider our own investigative powers if needed.”
“Our remit covers owners, directors and senior executives, ensuring clubs run safely, coherently and with probity.”
When queried on licensing City next month, Kogan replied, “I won’t comment on any action until we’ve assessed the situation.”
On whether the case questions state‑linked ownership, he said, “No, we have no power to block state ownership and this isn’t a general rule.”
The commission held a 42‑day hearing in 2024, delivering a verdict last month that found City guilty on all but one charge of non‑cooperation.
Its report noted that several key club witnesses gave false or deliberately dishonest evidence.
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