Preferred candidate for chair of football regulator confirmed

Sports media rights executive David Kogan has been named as the government's preferred choice as chair of the English football's new independent regulator.

Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said Kogan was the "outstanding candidate" to fill the position.

"This will be a vital, public role to ensure sensible, light-touch regulation helps to strengthen financial sustainability and put fans back at the heart of the game," said Nandy.

Kogan, who will now face MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport committee for "pre-appointment scrutiny", says he will work with clubs and supporters to create a "dynamic framework" for English football.

"Our professional clubs, whatever their size, are a source of local and national pride," said Kogan.

"They generate economic growth and investment, unite communities, and create shared experiences and memories that transcend generations.

"The job of the regulator is to work with those clubs, their owners, and their supporters to create a dynamic framework that will ensure the game is on a sound financial footing so that it can continue to flourish and to grow. I cannot wait to get started."

The Football Governance Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament after being reintroduced by the Labour government in October, will establish a first independent regulator for the professional men's game in England.

The legislation will hand power to a body independent from government and football authorities to oversee clubs in England's top five divisions.

A former BBC journalist and a director of the Women's Sports Group, Kogan helped negotiate a rights deal for the Women's Super League and Women's Championship last year.

If he is handed one of the most powerful roles in the English game, Kogan will be tasked with resolving a long-running disagreement between the Premier League and the EFL over controversial parachute payments to relegated clubs and financial redistribution.