Kogan’s warning comes amid growing political controversy surrounding the Premier League champions, whose financial conduct has been the subject of a lengthy legal battle. The case could have far-reaching consequences for the club, with possible sanctions ranging from a substantial fine and points deduction to expulsion from the Premier League.
The regulator’s intervention follows criticism of Prime Minister Andy Burnham after he expressed concern about the possibility of Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi-based owners selling the club. His comments reportedly raised questions among some Premier League clubs about whether political considerations could influence the proceedings.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Kogan defended the government’s right to express opinions but stressed that such views would have no bearing on the regulator’s decisions.
“The Prime Minister is entirely entitled to make his own observations on anything,” he said.
“We are independent. That is in the name. I am the chairman of the Independent Football Regulator and independence absolutely runs through everything we're doing.
“And no politician has tried to influence and would try to influence anything we do on that.”
Asked what he would do if political pressure were brought to bear on him over the case, Kogan responded unequivocally: “I would resign.”
Financial allegations place City under scrutiny
Manchester City’s legal battle centres on findings by an independent commission that the club breached Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period, from 2009 to 2018.
The commission found that City had created what it described as “sham” commercial contracts to channel more than £830 million into the club’s football operations without properly disclosing the arrangements.
City have consistently denied wrongdoing and have appealed against the findings.
The commission’s proceedings followed a 42-day hearing in 2024, with its verdict announced last month, according to the report. The club was found guilty of the charges brought against it, apart from one relating to alleged non-cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation.
The commission’s report also raised questions about the evidence presented during the proceedings, stating that “a number of important club witnesses gave false evidence in key respects and that some knowingly gave untrue and dishonest evidence”.
City maintain their position of innocence and are challenging the findings through the appeal process.
The outcome of that appeal is expected to be central to determining what happens next, with the regulator’s potential involvement dependent on the findings and the exercise of its statutory powers.
Political controversy intensifies
The controversy surrounding the case has widened following Burnham’s comments about the club’s ownership.
The Prime Minister initially told the BBC that he would be “really concerned” if Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners decided to sell the club. He later denied that his reaction had “downplayed the seriousness of the findings”.
According to BBC Sport, some Premier League clubs were “astonished” by his position, with sources expressing concern that political statements could be interpreted as interference in the appeal process.
Burnham’s previous role as mayor of Greater Manchester has also prompted questions about his relationship with Manchester City’s ownership.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for the release of details of meetings between the Prime Minister and senior figures at the club. The government released the relevant details on Monday, according to the report.
The dispute has placed renewed attention on the need to maintain a clear distinction between political commentary and the independent handling of football regulation.
Kogan, however, insisted that the IFR would follow the law regardless of the views expressed by politicians or other individuals.
“As far as we, as the regulator, are concerned, we have a very, very clear course of action that is governed by statute and we are going to follow that course of action and no comment by any politician or indeed any individual is going to affect what we do,” he said.
“Process is going to drive what we do. Process will lead us to a conclusion.
“We cannot reach any conclusion at this stage because we don't know the outcome of any appeal and once we do then we will act accordingly.”
Questions over regulator’s appointment
Kogan’s own appointment as chairman of the IFR has also attracted scrutiny because of his historic links to the Labour Party.
His appointment was examined by the Commissioner for Public Appointments following revelations that he had contributed to the leadership campaigns of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
The issue has fuelled questions from political opponents about whether the regulator can demonstrate impartiality when dealing with a case involving one of the country’s most prominent football clubs.
Shadow Culture Minister Louie French has written to the government, citing “concerns about the IFR's ability to adjudicate this case fairly, free from political interference”.
Kogan rejected suggestions that political considerations would undermine his leadership of the regulator, defending the integrity of the organisation and its decision-making process.
“I can tell you absolutely categorically that any politician who's trying to meddle in this for political purposes is welcome to try and welcome to do it, but I am going to stand by the probity of the organisation that I lead. If anybody wishes to challenge those after we've acted, that's entirely up to them,” he said.
His comments underline the regulator’s position that its decisions must be based on evidence, statutory responsibilities and due process rather than political pressure.
Sanctions could have major consequences
The independent panel is expected to hold a separate sanctions hearing to determine the appropriate punishment if the relevant findings stand. However, the hearing could take months to convene, extending the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Manchester City will also have the right to challenge the sanction, potentially prolonging the legal dispute.
The range of possible punishments is significant. Depending on the outcome of the proceedings, the club could face a substantial financial penalty, a points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League.
Such outcomes would have major implications for City, the league’s competitive structure and the wider governance of English football.
Asked about the importance of resolving the case promptly, Kogan said: “I think it's very important.”
He added that the allegations raised serious questions if Manchester City were ultimately found guilty following the appeal.
“We are waiting like everybody else to see what the independent panel will do… and then we will bring in a view in terms of our own investigation and statutory powers if we need to do so,” he said.
Kogan explained that the IFR’s powers focus on individual club owners, directors and senior executives rather than directly determining the outcome of the Premier League’s financial charges.
“Our powers relate to individual owners, directors and senior executives. They refer to whether people are in a position to run a club in a way that is safe, coherent and done with probity, and we will be examining those things,” he added.
The regulator’s assessment would therefore focus on whether the individuals responsible for running the club meet the relevant standards under its statutory framework.
Manchester City await crucial legal decisions
For now, the immediate direction of the case depends on the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal and any subsequent sanctions proceedings.
The IFR has indicated that it will not reach a final position before the relevant findings and legal processes are concluded. Its intervention, if required, would be guided by its own statutory responsibilities.
The prolonged dispute has left City facing considerable uncertainty, while raising broader questions about financial accountability, ownership standards and the independence of football regulation in England.
Kogan’s resignation warning has added another dimension to the controversy, placing the regulator’s independence firmly at the centre of the debate.
With the appeal and possible sanctions still ahead, the case is likely to remain one of the most consequential legal and regulatory disputes in English football, with the eventual outcome carrying implications well beyond Manchester City.