The government’s preferred candidate to become the independent regulator of English football has warned that there is less than 18 months for the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) to reach a financial redistribution agreement.
David Kogan, who appeared before the culture, media, and sport select committee for a pre-appointment hearing, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that both organizations must finalize a deal before the regulator’s powers come into effect. Kogan stressed the importance of using the time between the passing of legislation and the introduction of the regulator to strike an agreement and avoid the need for the regulator’s backstop powers to be invoked.
“People talk about the backstop as the nuclear option, but I prefer to think of it as a tactical weapon,” Kogan explained. He noted that although the backstop could be enacted only after a “state of the game” report is produced and consulted on, there remains a tight window to reach a deal. “There is an 18-month window, but in reality, it is going to be shorter. From the moment we are commissioned, there is probably at least a year to allow football to come to an agreement. The more football can agree on its own, the less we have to be involved.”
Kogan’s central concern is the financial redistribution between the Premier League and EFL. He argued that it is possible to run football in a way that ensures a competitive top flight while maintaining financial security for lower-tier clubs, with the preservation of the pyramid structure as a top priority. He described the fiscal challenges within the game, pointing out the stark financial divides between the top six clubs and the rest, as well as between clubs with parachute payments and those further down the pyramid. Kogan emphasized that clubs at all levels, from Premier League giants like Tottenham Hotspur to lower-league clubs like Southend, deserve support.
“If you believe in the pyramid, you’ve got to believe that Southend has a right to be sustained as much as Spurs,” he said. “It is a pyramid, and it has to be treated as such. Our job is to help the pyramid survive.”
Kogan, a Spurs supporter, brings with him a wealth of experience in football negotiations, having worked with the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Professional Football League, and Women’s Super League. Although he lacks experience in regulation itself, his background in corporate governance and negotiations makes him a strong candidate. “I want to do the job because I really think I can give the regulator the elements it needs to do its job properly,” he said.
In addition to his football experience, Kogan’s political ties have attracted attention. He revealed that he had made donations to the leadership campaigns of Labour leader Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, the current culture secretary. Despite his political contributions, Kogan insisted on his personal and political independence in carrying out the regulator’s duties.
Kogan also addressed concerns related to the funding of the regulator, stating that he wanted to ensure small clubs do not bear a disproportionate burden. He proposed setting up a help desk within the regulator to assist clubs with accounting practices and other necessary support. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of involving supporters in the process, calling the provision in the football governance bill for fan consultations with clubs a “remarkable step forward.” He suggested that information from fans could help the regulator better assess the state of clubs and improve resilience within the football system.
“The regulator is there to improve resilience and our knowledge of what is actually going on,” Kogan said. “We are not here as a cop; we are here to help. We are going to act to the benefit of football and fans, ensuring the survival of the pyramid. English football is a remarkable achievement, but it also faces risks that need to be managed carefully.”
Kogan’s message was clear: English football must adapt to the changing landscape, but it must do so with proper oversight to ensure long-term sustainability and fairness across the entire football pyramid.
