'We are going to be a part of football's future' - independent football regulator the regulator's chair
Sheffield Wednesday's ongoing struggles represent a a "serious issue" and the new football authority is seeking powers to investigate clubs in similar circumstances, the newly appointed chairman the official has stated.
In a wide-ranging interview, the regulator, who was named to the position this week, voiced concern towards supporters of the Owls.
The chairman convened with four fan organizations representing the Championship side in recent days.
The football club have been facing challenges both on and off the pitch in this season, with the club missing wage payments on multiple instances, including in September.
"Clearly Sheffield Wednesday has been a major concern for the league and a major challenge for the sport," the regulator explained.
"The club represents one of the great brands for the English game and in recent days we have met Sheffield Wednesday supporters' groups.
"We're now looking to get powers... which will enable us to take Sheffield Wednesday - and other clubs referred to us if they require examination and acted upon."
Economic Challenges and Leadership Concerns
Wednesday's embattled owner the Thai businessman suggested earlier this year he would be willing to sell up at Hillsborough, but he has failed to complete a sale with interested parties.
Missed wage deadlines on time in spring months resulted in restrictions being imposed by the English Football League (EFL) in June, stopping Wednesday from completing any transfers or loans for the subsequent signing windows, although those limitations were removed in late summer.
Regulator's Perspective
The regulator explained: "The position was created for the fans of Sheffield Wednesday, other clubs in similar situations where supporters are loyal to a regional establishment that has represented their community in numerous instances.
"I fully appreciate the team's plight, as I do for each organization that in modern times have encountered failure, or been close to going to the wall, for causes separate from the followers."
Questioned about whether the oversight body could require an chairman to relinquish a club if they are considered unfit, the chairman responded: "When asking whether 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the answer is once we gather the evidence and know what's going on, 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 cooperate with proprietors.
"The final option we would consider is begin intervening in an specific team, an particular chairman, without being in a position to cooperate with that chairman to fix the issues that the club's facing and the owner's facing," the chairman stated.
"However, realistically, when you examine the past of the game, over the last 20 or 30 years there have been particular chairmen, few in number, but certain individuals who have acted carelessly in the manner they have operated their teams and eventually refuse to accept accountability for the long-term prospects."
Owls fans have been protesting against the current proprietor during the current campaign
'Mistakes could erase significant advances'
The regulator engaged officials from numerous teams to explain the responsibilities of the oversight body this week and maintained it represented a "proactive meeting" with a "substantial involvement" from the lower divisions to the top flight.
"The role holds considerable importance, because should mistakes occur, if the sport makes errors, the remarkable development accomplished could disappear rapidly," the regulator warned.
"This represents everyone's worst fear in the terms of English football is a major achievement - we must maintain momentum.
"Considerable investment flowing into the game and has come into football for the past two decades, because certainty is lacking it will continue to come into football, which is part of the rationale behind I think we have to maintain a focused outlook on risk and of course, of the immediate future."
Elite Division Worries
Top flight officials resisted the formation of an authority because of concerns about detrimental effects on the Premier League's sporting equality, but Kogan said: "I'm absolutely committed to the achievement and development as an commercial operation of the Premier League.
"Being fully aware of the concern of undermining the Premier League as a premium product of England. But at the same time, if you consult with top flight officials after the recent gathering, they would have had a high level of reassurance -and, in fact, they have been advising us privately they have a considerable comfort."
Partisan Associations
The regulator remains subject to a "comprehensive investigation" by the Commissioner for Public Appointments after he disclosed making donations to the Labour Party in the past.
The chairman provided financial support for government minister the minister's leadership bid, along with that of the current Prime Minister.
"I've been completely open about my former ideological connection [with Labour], and that party membership ceased the day the official body endorsed my nomination," Kogan said.
"I am presently disconnected from any sort of politics."
