Man City charges: Football regulator will quit if independence compromised
David Kogan, chairman of the Independent Football Regulator, has stated he will resign if he faces political pressure regarding the ongoing financial investigation into Manchester City. The regulator maintains its independence despite public comments from political figures.
Why it matters
The case tests the credibility and autonomy of the newly established football regulator in handling high-stakes financial rule-breaking allegations.
Figure caption, 'We have to go on the evidence' - Kogan
Sports editor Published 13 October 2026 The head of English football's independent regulator says he will resign if he encounters any political interference over the future of Manchester City .
As chairman of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), David Kogan has the power to assess the suitability of club owners and executives.
If an independent commission's findings that the club broke Premier League financial rules are upheld, the watchdog could even force a sale.
Last month, the Prime Minister Andy Burnham was criticised for saying he would be "really concerned" if the scandal led to Manchester City 's Abu Dhabi owners selling the club.
"They've been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester and obviously the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is," he added.
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