House of Commons · Urgent Question
12 November 2025 · 16 other contributors
Opened by Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Louie French raised concerns about independent football regulator 2025-11-12 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Secretary of State confirm that she has breached the governance code for public appointments three times in her involvement with the appointment process for the chair of the Independent Football Regulator? Does the Secretary of State agree that Mr Kogan’s deeply flawed appointment must be rescinded given the risks to football?
Question
The report found that the Secretary of State breached governance codes three times. The Secretary claims she did not know about Kogan’s donations but was briefed twice by her Department regarding this conflict before recommending him for appointment. How can these be coincidences? Does rule breakers qualify to be rule makers?
Minister reply
The process was thoroughly investigated and the findings are clear. I accept full responsibility for one breach, while others were technical issues within my Department. Kogan was on the list from the last Government who knew he was a Labour donor. His credentials and experience make him suitable for this role.
Question
In light of Sheffield Wednesday fans’ experiences, does the Secretary agree that David Kogan is knowledgeable, tough, determined, independent and who will act on behalf of football fans against bad owners?
Minister reply
Absolutely. We are focused on putting fans back at the heart of the game by ensuring protection from bad ownership. This Government will not stand by while fans suffer due to poor club management.
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that football fans do not care about political arguments in Westminster but want a regulator on their side? When Tracey Crouch was appointed to lead the review, there was no opposition from Labour. However, when the Bill went to Parliament, Conservative Members opposed it.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his years of work and support during Wigan Athletic's difficulties. I agree that football fans want a regulator on their side rather than Westminster political arguments. The Football Governance Act received cross-party support in its earlier stages.
Question
The independent regulator needs transparency and trust in public appointments. The Secretary of State has said repeatedly that the Culture, Media and Sport Committee found Mr Kogan appointable, but we did so with a recommendation for him to take concrete steps to reassure the football community due to donations disclosed by him. Does she accept that the Department must do better on public appointments?
Minister reply
I agree with the hon. Lady about the importance of transparency in public appointments and will ensure that Mr Kogan's recommendations are followed. The Department is reviewing its processes to prevent future issues.
Question
We now have an excellent individual appointed as the football regulator, and an excellent Secretary of State who made a mistake for which she has apologised. Even the commissioner said that it was not a knowing breach. What football fans want is for the Secretary of State to get on with protecting clubs and supporters.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his support and agree we must focus on protecting clubs and supporters. The Government remains committed to appointing the right people in positions that benefit football fans.
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that rather than obstructing, Opposition needs to let David Kogan get on with his job? Can I request that one of his first actions is pressing the English Football League to lift limits on promotion from the national league?
Minister reply
I know my hon. Friend cares about her constituents and their football team. The matter she raises falls outside the Independent Football Regulator's remit, but we will continue to follow it closely.
Question
The MP asked what evidence the Labour Government had to prove that David Kogan was on a list held by the Department and whether he was approached about the position by the Conservative Government.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy confirmed Mr Kogan was on the list held by the Department, and she was presented with this list when taking up her post. She also noted his appointment to the board of Channel 4 by the previous Conservative government.
Question
The Member asked whether the Secretary of State accepted that appointing a known Labour donor would create a perception of political bias.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy clarified that Mr Kogan was approached under the last Government and is eminently qualified for the job. She recused herself from the process once she knew about his donations, ensuring impartiality.
Question
The MP questioned whether it was unedifying to watch Opposition Front Benchers obstruct an Independent Football Regulator.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy agreed with the MP that Conservatives appear to have no respect for football fans or independent processes, standing against their best interests.
Question
The Member asked whether the Prime Minister or anyone acting on his authority declared a conflict of interest before Mr Kogan was asked to reinstate his withdrawn application.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy stated that she took full responsibility for the process, recusing herself once she knew about the donations and ensuring the Minister for Sport made the appointment decision.
Question
The MP drew attention to the record of Conservative donors being appointed to various organisations and questioned whether fans care who is one of 'theirs'.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy agreed that David Kogan was chosen for his experience and merit, not party loyalty, ensuring the regulator would protect football clubs.
Question
The Member questioned the Secretary of State's reputation given her involvement in political donations.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy clarified that she did not forget to declare the donations and was convinced by the independent Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Question
The Member asked whether the public would believe this was an open and fair process given the decision-makers took donations from the candidate.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy acknowledged that the Commissioner for Public Appointments investigated thoroughly, found the breach of code unknowing, and she has taken full responsibility.
Question
The Member welcomed the Independent Football Regulator but asked how to ensure positions are fit for purpose without political affiliation.
Minister reply
Lisa Nandy emphasised the importance of independent processes and clarified that David Kogan is best suited for the role based on his qualifications.
Question
Does she understand the public’s perception that an ‘independent’ appointee was chosen because of their donations to the party in government? What steps will she and the Government take to review the process and make improvements, so that it commands the public’s trust?
Minister reply
Oversight of the whole process and the way that public appointments are made is the responsibility of the Prime Minister. We did not meet the highest standards in this appointment. It was a complicated process, and the post required a specialist skillset, and the appointment took place under two different Governments. Since the appointment, Mr Kogan has wasted no time at all in getting on with the job.
Government Response
In 2021, Boris Johnson set up a fan-led review chaired by Dame Tracey Crouch which recommended an independent football regulator. The previous government promised but did not deliver this, leaving fans disappointed. This government prioritised the implementation of the Independent Football Regulator and made David Kogan as its chair on October 6th. The Commissioner for Public Appointments investigated and found that while Kogan was suitable, there were breaches around donations to my leadership campaign which I acknowledged fully. Despite these issues, Kogan remains endorsed by football stakeholders across parties. We are focused on protecting clubs in financial peril and prioritise fans' interests.