Football regulator chair threatens resignation over City interference

Independent Football Regulator chair David Kogan says he would resign if politicians interfered in any action the watchdog takes over Manchester City, insisting neither he nor the regulator has faced political pressure. An independent commission found that City breached Premier League financial rules over nine seasons from 2009 to 2018, including through alleged sham sponsorship deals worth more than £830 million; the club denies wrongdoing and has appealed. If the findings are upheld, the regulator could assess whether the club’s owners are fit to remain and, in extreme cases, require a sale. Any action would follow an investigation and legal advice. Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s comments expressing concern about the possibility of City’s Abu Dhabi owners leaving prompted questions about political influence.