David Kogan, the head of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), has pledged to resign if ministers interfere with the regulator's ability to sanction Manchester City's owners. Kogan affirmed that the IFR's independence, and his own, is "absolute."
The IFR possesses the authority to disqualify Manchester City's owners and compel Sheikh Mansour to sell the club, following its conviction for systematically breaching Premier League rules. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed concerns regarding this potential outcome.
Kogan also stated that the IFR is prepared to request additional government funding to contest any legal challenges from Abu Dhabi, should Manchester City be sued. He clarified that any such funding would be separate from the IFR's regular levy-derived budget.
The IFR will await the outcome of Manchester City's appeal against more than 100 convictions for financial rule-breaking before taking any action. The regulator will also reveal its plans for a levy on clubs next week, which will fund its operational costs.