• David Kogan, nominated to lead the Independent Football Regulator, admitted to making 'very small' donations to Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy's leadership campaigns in 2020.
• The revelation has sparked controversy, with accusations of cronyism and breaches of governance codes, and calls for investigation into Kogan's impartiality.
• Kogan addressed concerns about the Premier League and EFL's redistribution deal, emphasizing the need for an agreement to avoid regulator intervention and prioritizing the sustainability of the football pyramid.

David Kogan's nomination as chair of the Independent Football Regulator has been met with controversy after he admitted to donating to the Labour leadership campaigns of Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy. This revelation has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the impartiality of the regulator. The admission came during a pre-appointment hearing before MPs, where Kogan addressed questions about his political affiliations and his vision for the role. The appointment process is now under scrutiny, with calls for investigations into potential breaches of governance codes. Simultaneously, Kogan is urging the Premier League and EFL to reach a financial redistribution agreement within 18 months to avoid regulatory intervention, highlighting the urgency of ensuring the financial sustainability of the football pyramid.

• What: David Kogan, the nominee to lead the Independent Football Regulator, admitted to donating to the Labour leadership campaigns of Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, sparking controversy and calls for investigation. He also urged the Premier League and EFL to agree on financial redistribution within 18 months.
• Who: David Kogan, Lisa Nandy, Keir Starmer, Louie French, Premier League, EFL, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
• When: Donations made in 2020. Kogan appeared before MPs on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The 18-month window for Premier League and EFL deal is highlighted.
• Where: UK, specifically focusing on the English football leagues and government discussions in Parliament.

The controversy surrounding David Kogan's appointment highlights the importance of transparency and impartiality in public roles, especially in regulating a high-profile industry like English football. The donations, while small, raise questions about potential bias. Kogan's experience and vision for the regulator are juxtaposed against the concerns raised by the Conservatives and the need for him to demonstrate independence. His emphasis on financial redistribution and fan involvement are crucial aspects of the regulator's future role. His acknowledgement of the perception of bias will likely need to be addressed through demonstrable actions.

I am prepared to declare now, on the public record, that five years ago I contributed very small sums of money to both the leadership campaigns of both Sir Keir Starmer and of Lisa Nandy.

I am glad to put on the public record my personal independence and my absolute independence politically.

People talk about the backstop as the nuclear option but I prefer to think of it as a tactical weapon.

David Kogan's nomination as chair of the Independent Football Regulator remains contentious following his admission of donations to Labour leadership campaigns. While Kogan asserts his independence and outlines his vision for the regulator, the controversy has raised concerns about transparency and impartiality. The next few months will be critical as Kogan faces scrutiny and works to build trust, while simultaneously urging the Premier League and EFL to resolve their financial disagreements. The future of English football regulation hinges on Kogan's ability to navigate these challenges and establish a credible, independent body.