Football regulator chair threatens resignation over City interference

Independent Football Regulator chair David Kogan said he would resign if politicians interfered in action over Manchester City. Asked directly by BBC Sport about political interference, he said "I would resign." He stated "Our independence is absolute, and my independence personally is absolute," and that any form of political interference on how the regulator operates would result in his resigning from the role. An independent commission found City breached Premier League financial rules over nine seasons from 2009 to 2018 through alleged sham sponsorship deals worth more than £830 million. City was found guilty on over 100 charges, denies wrongdoing, and has appealed. The IFR can assess owner fitness and in extreme cases force a sale or withhold a license. Kogan said no conclusion can be reached until the appeal outcome is known. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's remarks of concern if City's Abu Dhabi owners left drew criticism, and Downing Street backtracked. Kogan said the Prime Minister is entirely entitled to make his own observations. A sanctions hearing could take months to convene; City can appeal both verdicts and any sanction.