The proposed appointment of David Kogan as the chair of the new independent football regulator in England has sparked a significant inquiry led by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, William Shawcross. The inquiry is the result of initial assessments and spot checks that raised concerns about the selection process surrounding Kogan’s appointment. Shawcross stated that this inquiry is “necessary” to ensure compliance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. He also mentioned that both Kogan and the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, are likely to be interviewed as part of this investigation.
One critical aspect of the inquiry revolves around Kogan’s previous political donations. Kogan disclosed in a Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing that he had contributed to Nandy’s Labour leadership campaign in 2020, as well as to current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This revelation has led to scrutiny from the public and political figures about potential conflicts of interest and biases in his role, should he be appointed to oversee the governance of English football.
Nandy, who previously described Kogan as the “outstanding candidate” for the role, has since distanced herself from the final decision-making process. She has passed the responsibility onto the Sports Minister, following concerns that her involvement could compromise the independence of the appointment process. This shift is seen as a precautionary measure to mitigate any perceptions of impropriety in Kogan’s selections and to maintain the integrity of the new regulatory structure.
During the pre-appointment hearing, Kogan asserted that he was being “utterly transparent” regarding his donations, claiming that they were “very small sums” and asserting his personal independence from the politicians he has supported. However, Dame Caroline Dinenage, the chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, indicated that Kogan must actively demonstrate his impartiality to gain the trust of the football community. The committee recognized his potential but issued warnings about his connections to the Labour Party, which could lead to allegations of political bias in a role that requires strict independence.
In light of the inquiry, a spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport expressed their willingness to cooperate fully with the Commissioner’s office and emphasized that Kogan’s appointment was in line with usual protocol. The inquiry aims to clarify the processes followed in Kogan’s selection and ensure transparency around governmental involvement.
Political reactions have varied, with some opposition members suggesting that Kogan’s appointment could be indicative of “Labour cronyism.” Stuart Andrew, the shadow culture minister, critiqued the decision-making process, emphasizing the public’s right to an unbiased and transparent appointment procedure. He called for a thorough examination of the entire situation, including investigation into Keir Starmer and his advisers to determine if any conflicts of interest were adequately disclosed.
Kogan’s professional background includes work as a sports media rights executive and advising major leagues in the UK, including the Premier League and the English Football League. Along with his commitment to represent fans at the heart of the regulatory framework, Kogan’s past experience and connections to political figures have positioned this inquiry at the forefront of football governance discussions.
The Football Governance Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, aims to establish an independent regulator for the professional men’s game in England, underscoring the need for thorough governance and oversight within the sport. As the inquiry unfolds, it will play a critical role in determining the legitimacy and future of Kogan’s appointment and the broader implications for governance in English football. The establishment of this independent regulator is seen as essential in addressing long-standing issues within the sport, enhancing accountability, and advocating for the rights and interests of fans.