'We will play a key role in football's future' - newly appointed regulator the regulator's chair
Sheffield Wednesday's current difficulties represent a a "serious issue" and the new football authority is aiming to acquire authority to look into club affairs in similar circumstances, its new chair the regulator has stated.
During an extensive discussion, the chairman, who was appointed on Monday, voiced concern towards the club's followers.
The regulator engaged with four fan organizations associated with the South Yorkshire club recently.
The team have been experiencing difficulties in multiple areas in this season, with the club missing wage payments on several different times, including in September.
"Obviously the club has become a serious issue for football authorities and a major challenge for the sport," the regulator explained.
"Wednesday stands as one of the great brands for the English game and this week we have met fan representatives.
"We are seeking authority... which will permit us to bring Sheffield Wednesday - and other clubs referred to us if they require examination and dealt with."
Monetary Issues and Leadership Concerns
Wednesday's embattled owner the current owner stated during the off-season he would be prepared to relinquish control at the stadium, but he has failed to complete a sale with interested parties.
Delayed salary payments on time in earlier this year led to sanctions by the English Football League (EFL) in mid-year, blocking the team from conducting any transfers or loans for the next three transfer windows, although the ban was rescinded in August.
Official's Viewpoint
The chairman stated: "The job [of the regulator] is there for the fans of Sheffield Wednesday, teams facing challenges where supporters are loyal to a community organization that has represented their community in multiple situations.
"I have absolute sympathy for Sheffield Wednesday, as I do for every team that over recent decades have faced collapse, or nearly ceased operations, for factors unrelated to the supporters."
When asked if the authority might compel an proprietor to divest a club if they are considered unfit, the regulator answered: "If your question is 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the reply is once we gather the evidence and know what's going on, we will."
But Kogan stressed that requiring chairmen to relinquish clubs would be considered the final option and the oversight body would choose to cooperate with proprietors.
"The final option we would consider is begin intervening in an specific team, an individual owner, without being able to work with that chairman to fix the challenges confronting the team and the chairman's encountering," the chairman stated.
"However, realistically, when you look back over the history of football, over the recent generations there have been some owners, not many, but particular people who have shown negligence in the approach they have taken toward their organizations and finally decline to assume obligation for the long-term prospects."
Owls fans have been voicing opposition to the team's chairman this season
'Mistakes could erase significant advances'
Kogan met with delegates from multiple organizations to explain the responsibilities of the regulator on Wednesday and insisted it was a "proactive meeting" with a "significant participation" from the lower divisions to the top flight.
"The role holds considerable importance, because if errors are made, if the world of football gets it wrong, the significant advances achieved might evaporate incredibly quickly," Kogan said.
"Such an outcome is universally undesirable in the terms of English football is a major achievement - we need to continue the progress.
"There's an enormous amount of money entering the sport and has been channeled for the past two decades, because certainty is lacking it will keep flowing into the sport, which is part of the rationale behind I think we have to take a really clear view on challenges and obviously, of the next two or three years."
Premier League Concerns
Top flight officials resisted the creation of a regulator because of fears of a negative impact on the Premier League's sporting equality, but the regulator stated: "I fully support the achievement and development as an economic entity of the top division.
"I of all people understand 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 substantial amount of confidence -and, in fact, they have been advising us privately they have a considerable comfort."
Political Connections
The regulator remains subject to a "thorough examination" by the official appointments authority after he revealed he contributed money to the Labour Party in recent years.
The 68-year-old contributed funds to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport the politician's campaign, along with that of the government leader.
"I have fully disclosed my past party membership [with Labour], and that political affiliation came to an end the day the parliamentary committee confirmed my selection," Kogan said.
"I currently have no participation in any form of political activity."
