'We will play a key role in football's future' - independent football regulator the new chairman
Sheffield Wednesday's current difficulties are seen as a "significant problem" and the independent regulator is seeking powers to look into club affairs in similar circumstances, the recently named head David Kogan has announced.
Through a comprehensive talk, the regulator, who was named to the position this week, voiced concern towards supporters of the Owls.
Kogan met with four supporter groups representing the football team in recent days.
The football club have been experiencing difficulties in multiple areas in 2025, with the club delaying salary disbursements on multiple instances, including in last month.
"Obviously the club has become a significant problem for EFL and a major challenge for the sport," Kogan told.
"Sheffield Wednesday is one of the great brands for English football and in recent days we have met Sheffield Wednesday supporters' groups.
"We are seeking authority... which will enable us to take Sheffield Wednesday - and other clubs brought to our attention if they warrant scrutiny and acted upon."
Financial Struggles and Leadership Concerns
The team's struggling chairman the Thai businessman suggested earlier this year he would be prepared to relinquish control at Hillsborough, but he has failed to complete a sale with interested parties.
Failure to pay player wages on time in March and May led to sanctions by the English Football League (EFL) in summer, blocking the team from conducting any player acquisitions for the next three transfer windows, although that restriction was lifted in the end of the transfer window.
Authority's Position
The chairman stated: "Our role exists to serve the Owls followers, Bury or any football club where people are committed to a regional establishment that has represented their community in many cases.
"I fully appreciate the team's plight, as I do for each organization that in modern times have encountered failure, or nearly ceased operations, for causes separate from the fans themselves."
Inquired if the oversight body could require an proprietor to divest a club if they are deemed unsuitable, the regulator answered: "If your question is 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the response would be once we gather the evidence and understand the situation, we will."
But the regulator clarified that forcing owners to sell clubs would be treated as a "last resort" and the regulator would prefer to collaborate with owners.
"The last thing what we want to do is begin intervening in an individual club, an particular chairman, without being in a position to cooperate with that owner to try and resolve the problems affecting the organization and the chairman's encountering," the regulator explained.
"However, realistically, when you look back over the history of the game, over the last 20 or 30 years there have been particular chairmen, not many, but some who have been irresponsible in the way which they've been managing their clubs and ultimately decline to assume obligation for the future."
Sheffield Wednesday supporters have been voicing opposition to the team's chairman this season
'Errors may undo substantial development'
The regulator engaged officials from numerous teams to explain the responsibilities of the regulator on Wednesday and maintained it represented a "proactive meeting" with a "significant participation" from the lower divisions to the top flight.
"This position carries substantial significance, because should mistakes occur, if the football community fails, the significant advances achieved necessary will vanish rapidly," Kogan said.
"Such an outcome is universally undesirable in the realm of domestic football is a huge success story - we must maintain momentum.
"There's an enormous amount of money flowing into the game and has been channeled for the recent generations, because there are no assurances it will persist in entering the game, which is part of the rationale behind I think we have to take a really clear view on challenges and obviously, of the immediate future."
Elite Division Worries
The Premier League opposed the creation of a regulator because of apprehensions regarding adverse consequences on the Premier League's sporting equality, but Kogan said: "I'm absolutely committed to the achievement and development as an economic entity of the top division.
"I of all people understand the concern of undermining the top flight as an elite competition of England. But at the same time, if you talk to the Premier League after the recent gathering, they would have had a high level of reassurance -and, in fact, they have been informing us confidentially they have a significant confidence."
Ideological Links
Kogan is still facing a "comprehensive investigation" by the Commissioner for Public Appointments after he disclosed making donations to the Labour Party in recent years.
The 68-year-old contributed funds to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport the politician's campaign, along with that of the current Prime Minister.
"I've been completely open about my previous political affiliation [with Labour], and that party membership ceased the day the parliamentary committee confirmed my selection," the regulator explained.
"I am presently disconnected from any type of partisan engagement."
