Government Official in Hot Seat Over Football Regulator Appointment

Wednesday 12 November 2025 5:30 pm
 |  Updated: 
Wednesday 12 November 2025 6:21 pm

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy arrives as the President of UEFA Aleksander Čeferin visits 10 Downing Street to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on November 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Introduction to the Controversy

Lisa Nandy was hauled in front of the House of Commons on Wednesday to answer questions surrounding the process which led to the appointment of David Kogan as chair of the Independent Football Regulator.

The media rights expert was given the new-found role despite donating to both the DCMS secretary of state and the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before last year’s election.

An independent investigation into the process of Kogan’s hiring found Nandy to have broken the Government Code on Public Appointments, and following an urgent question in Parliament by shadow sport secretary Louie French she was forced to take responsibility once more on a number of occasions.

She apologised in a letter to Starmer, which was accepted, and will not face further action over her breaches.

Asked whether Kogan was a “deeply flawed appointment” on Wednesday, Nandy described the new chair as an “outstanding” candidate for the role, and defended the selection, which she says saw the Conservatives shortlist the now-chair under the previous government.

Nandy’s Responsibility

The secretary of state, who survived a government reshuffle earlier this year, rebuked calls for an investigation into the process, deeming the recent report by Sir William Shawcross – which laid bare her code breaches – satisfactory enough.

Liberal Democrat Anna Sabine said the process that led to Kogan’s “appointment undermined trust”, adding that, “[Nandy] cannot shy away the potential conflict of interest and breaches of the code which have emerged in recent days. This oversight requires genuine accountability from the government.”

At the time of Nandy’s initial apology, Kogan reiterated that his “suitability for the role has never been in question, and at no point was I aware of any deviation from best practice”.

Former DCMS secretary of state Oliver Dowden used a subsequent question to express fears that the regulator “has become excessively bureaucratic, it risks deterring international investment and more broad investment into the game that has been so beneficial to the sport”, asking whether, “it might be time to re-look at this regulator and instead put more emphasis on self governance from football.”

Nandy said fans were forced to wait until a Labour government to deliver on the promise of a football regulator. The Independent Football Regulator said: “We have a tight remit that focuses on bringing greater financial stability to the 116 regulated clubs, while promoting sound investment into the game.”

DCMS declined to comment beyond the secretary of state’s statement.

Reactions and Implications

The controversy surrounding the appointment of David Kogan as chair of the Independent Football Regulator has sparked a heated debate about the role of government in regulating sports and the potential for conflicts of interest.

The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment process.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism and whether any further action will be taken.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the appointment of David Kogan as chair of the Independent Football Regulator has been marred by controversy and allegations of breaches of the Government Code on Public Appointments.

While Nandy has apologized and taken responsibility for her actions, the incident has raised important questions about the role of government in regulating sports and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the implications of this incident and the potential impact on the future of football regulation in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is David Kogan and what is his role in the Independent Football Regulator?

A: David Kogan is a media rights expert who has been appointed as the chair of the Independent Football Regulator. His role is to oversee the regulation of football in the UK and ensure that the sport is governed in a fair and transparent manner.

Q: What is the controversy surrounding Kogan’s appointment?

A: The controversy surrounding Kogan’s appointment centers on allegations that he donated to both the DCMS secretary of state and the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before last year’s election, and that Nandy broke the Government Code on Public Appointments in the appointment process.

Q: What has been the response to the controversy?

A: Nandy has apologized and taken responsibility for her actions, and the government has stated that it will not be taking any further action. However, the incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of government in regulating sports and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Q: What are the implications of this incident for the future of football regulation in the UK?

A: The incident has raised important questions about the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment process. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism and whether any further action will be taken.