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English football is edging closer to the appointment of an independent regulator.
The Football Governance Bill recently passed through the committee stage of the legislative process, without needing the three days that were set aside for further debate.
A report stage is next on the agenda, followed by the third reading of the bill in the House of Commons and a final consideration of amendments.
Royal assent is the last stage of the process and the bill’s supporters are increasingly confident this will be granted before parliament heads into summer recess on July 22.
Numerous stakeholders will be keenly following developments given the potential impact an independent regulator could have on English football.
Companies such as Betway Casino have forged strong ties with some clubs, and they will be eager to maintain those relationships in the future.
However, the independent regulator could be handed powers which impact the way sponsors and investors engage with the sport in England.
While the identity of the regulator has yet to be officially confirmed, it is widely thought that David Kogan will be the man appointed to the role.
The media rights specialist was not on the original shortlist, but was recommended by former Football Association chairman David Triesman.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has also backed Kogan to become the regulator given his extensive knowledge of the broadcasting rights landscape in English football.
Intriguingly, Kogan’s strong ties to the Labour Party are not a political issue given that he was approached by the Conservative government before they lost the general election.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has interjected himself into proceedings over the past few weeks and is also on board with appointing Kogan.
A source from Kogan’s time as an advisor to the Premier League believes he will not be everyone’s cup of tea if his appointment is confirmed.
“David will have enemies in football, that’s for sure,” the source told the Guardian. “He’s very combative. This is not someone who does business in a conciliatory manner.
“He runs tough negotiating processes by banging heads. I wouldn’t have thought of him as a ‘regulator’ type, but maybe that’s a good thing. He’s quite a big character.”
One of Kogan’s biggest advantages as a potential regulator is he has previously had roles with the English Football League (EFL) and Women’s Super League.
Some critics have expressed concern that his connections to the Premier League will result in him adopting a softer stance to the top flight, but that is unlikely to be the case.
Safeguarding community assets and protecting the interests of supporters will be among the key areas the regulator must consider once the system is in place.
Neither of those elements are Kogan’s speciality and there has been talk of a more fan-focused chief executive being appointed to take over that portion of the regulator’s role.
The Football Supporters’ Association have given their support to Kogan, saying that they are confident he will not be ‘pushed around’ on key issues.
With most of the key stakeholders lined up behind him, Kogan’s appointment as the independent regulator of English football appears to be a foregone conclusion.
His previous lack of regulatory experience may actually not be a bad thing as this will him to tackle the role with a completely open mind.
While there is no guarantee Kogan will be successful as a regulator, everything points to him having the ability to establish a structure that works for everyone.
