Key facts
- David Kogan, chairman of the Independent Football Regulator, threatened to resign if political pressure is applied to Manchester City's punishment.
- An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of most of the 115 Premier League financial rule breaches.
- The club is accused of using 'sham contracts' to disguise over £830 million in secret funding.
- Manchester City has until October 2 to appeal the verdict.
- Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed concern about the club's owners selling up, citing their investment in the city.
David Kogan, the chairman of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), has stated he will resign if political interference influences any punishment for Manchester City's owners. The regulator's comments come after an independent commission found the club guilty of the majority of the 115 charges related to Premier League financial rule breaches.
An independent commission concluded that Manchester City systematically broke Premier League rules for nearly a decade, including arranging "sham contracts" with commercial partners to disguise over £830 million in secret funding. The club denies any wrongdoing and has until October 2 to submit an appeal against the verdict.
Kogan emphasized that the IFR has powers to assess the suitability of owners and will use them where appropriate, taking into account findings from leagues. He expressed hope for a swift resolution for the sake of fans.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, voiced concern that the club's owners might sell up following the verdict, acknowledging their significant investment in the city and the club. He also drew parallels to Everton's previous financial rule breach case, where he felt the club was not treated fairly.
Downing Street has since clarified the prime minister's position, stating that the initial judgment is serious and that there can be no suggestion that anyone is above the rules. The government spokesperson added that if wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face appropriate consequences.