Sheff Wed Faces a 'Significant Problem', Says New Football Authority
'Our role is integral to football's future' - independent football regulator the regulator's chair
Sheffield Wednesday's current difficulties constitute a "major concern" and the football regulator is looking to gain the ability to examine team situations in similar circumstances, the recently named head the regulator has announced.
Through a comprehensive talk, the regulator, who was named to the position this week, voiced concern towards Wednesday's fanbase.
The regulator engaged with four supporters' associations representing the South Yorkshire club this week.
The team have been struggling on and off the field in 2025, with the club failing to pay players on time on multiple instances, including in the autumn.
"Clearly Sheffield Wednesday has been a major concern for the league and a significant problem for football," Kogan told.
"Sheffield Wednesday is one of the iconic names for English football 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 addressed."
Financial Struggles and Proprietorship Status
The club's controversial proprietor the Thai businessman suggested earlier this year he would be prepared to relinquish control at their home ground, but he has failed to complete a sale with prospective buyers.
Missed wage deadlines on time in spring months resulted in restrictions being imposed by the league officials in summer, stopping Wednesday from completing any recruitment activities for the next three transfer windows, although those limitations were removed in August.
Authority's Position
The chairman stated: "The position was created for the Owls followers, Bury or any football club where people are committed to a community organization that has represented their community in many cases.
"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 reasons that have nothing to do with the supporters."
Inquired if the oversight body could require an owner to sell a club if they are deemed unsuitable, the regulator answered: "Should the inquiry concern 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the answer is once we assemble the facts and know what's going on, we will."
But Kogan stressed that requiring chairmen to relinquish clubs would be viewed as the ultimate measure and the oversight body would choose to work with them.
"The last thing what we want to do is start getting involved with an particular organization, an particular chairman, without being able to work with that chairman to fix the challenges confronting the team and the owner's facing," Kogan said.
"In actuality, when you look back over the history of the game, over the past few decades there have been particular chairmen, a small minority, but particular people who have shown negligence in the manner they have operated their organizations and finally don't wish to take responsibility for the coming years."
Owls fans have been protesting against the current proprietor during the current campaign
'Errors may undo substantial development'
The chairman convened with representatives from 110 clubs to lay out the remit of the authority recently and insisted it was a "progressive gathering" with a "high level of engagement" from the lower divisions to the top flight.
"It's a job that's actually really important, because should mistakes occur, if the sport makes errors, the remarkable development accomplished necessary will vanish incredibly quickly," the chairman stated.
"Such an outcome is universally undesirable in the terms of English football is a major achievement - we need to continue the progress.
"Considerable investment entering the sport and has been invested for the past two decades, because there are no assurances it will keep flowing into the sport, which is one of the reasons why I think we have to maintain a focused outlook on potential dangers and naturally, of the immediate future."
Premier League Concerns
The Premier League opposed the establishment of an oversight body because of concerns about detrimental effects on the top-flight's competitiveness, but the regulator stated: "I completely endorse the prosperity and expansion as an economic entity of the elite league.
"Being fully aware of the apprehension regarding damaging the Premier League as a premium product of the nation. But concurrently, if you talk to the Premier League after the recent gathering, they would have had a significant degree of comfort -and, in fact, they have been informing us confidentially they have a high level of reassurance."
Political Connections
The chairman continues to confront a "full inquiry" by the Commissioner for Public Appointments after he acknowledged providing funds to the political party in recent years.
The official provided financial support for government minister the politician's campaign, along with that of the government leader.
"I have been entirely transparent regarding my previous political affiliation [with Labour], and that political affiliation came to an end the day the parliamentary committee confirmed my selection," the regulator explained.
"I am presently disconnected from any type of partisan engagement."