Regulator would quit over interference in Man City case

What the report says

The head of English football’s independent regulator, David Kogan, has said he would resign if he faced political interference over the handling of Manchester City’s case. Speaking to BBC Sport, Kogan stressed that the Independent Football Regulator is required to act independently and that its decisions will be driven by statute and process rather than outside pressure.

The comments come as the regulator prepares for potential next steps if an appeal does not overturn the findings against Manchester City. An independent commission last month ruled that the club breached Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, allegations City deny. The club has appealed, and a sanctions hearing would follow if the verdict stands. Possible penalties could include a fine, points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League, or removal of trophies won during the period covered by the case.

The BBC report says the issue has drawn wider political attention after remarks from Andy Burnham, whose comments were criticized by some Premier League clubs as potentially unsettling the appeal process. Kogan said no politician had tried to influence the regulator and reiterated that any ownership or executive suitability review would be based on evidence. The case matters because it could reshape City’s future and set an important precedent for football governance in England.