'We will play a key role in football's future' - independent football regulator the regulator's chair
The team's current difficulties constitute a "major concern" and the football regulator is seeking powers to look into club affairs in comparable cases, the recently named head the official has stated.
In a wide-ranging interview, the regulator, who was appointed on Monday, expressed "sympathy" towards supporters of the Owls.
The regulator engaged with four supporter groups connected to the South Yorkshire club this week.
The football club have been experiencing difficulties in multiple areas in 2025, with the club failing to pay players on time on several different times, including in last month.
"Clearly Sheffield Wednesday has been a serious issue for football authorities and a major challenge for the sport," the chairman stated.
"The club represents one of the great brands for English football and this week we have met Sheffield Wednesday supporters' groups.
"We are seeking authority... which will permit us to bring Sheffield Wednesday - and other clubs submitted for our review if they require examination and dealt with."
Monetary Issues and Ownership Situation
The team's struggling chairman the Thai businessman suggested earlier this year he would be prepared to relinquish control at their home ground, but he has not been able to secure a deal with interested parties.
Delayed salary payments on time in March and May resulted in restrictions being imposed by the English Football League (EFL) in June, blocking the team from conducting any transfers or loans for the subsequent signing windows, although the ban was rescinded in the end of the transfer window.
Regulator's Perspective
Kogan said: "The job [of the regulator] is there for the supporters of Wednesday, other clubs in similar situations where fans are dedicated to a community organization that has represented their community in numerous instances.
"I completely understand Sheffield Wednesday, as I do for every team that in modern times have encountered failure, 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 considered unfit, Kogan said: "Should the inquiry concern 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the reply is once we gather the evidence and comprehend the circumstances, we will."
But the regulator clarified that requiring chairmen to relinquish clubs would be treated as a "last resort" and the oversight body would choose to collaborate with owners.
"The final option we would consider is begin intervening in an specific team, an particular chairman, without having the opportunity to collaborate with that owner to try and resolve the problems affecting the organization and the proprietor's dealing with," the chairman stated.
"However, realistically, when you review the record of the sport, over the last 20 or 30 years there have been particular chairmen, a small minority, but particular people who have shown negligence in the manner they have operated their clubs and ultimately decline to assume obligation for the long-term prospects."
Owls fans have been demonstrating against the current proprietor in recent months
'Mistakes could erase significant advances'
Kogan met with delegates from multiple organizations to explain the responsibilities of the regulator on Wednesday and insisted it was a "progressive gathering" with a "significant participation" from the lower divisions to the top flight.
"It's a job that's actually really important, because if errors are made, if the world of football gets it wrong, the extraordinary progress that's been made necessary will vanish rapidly," the chairman stated.
"Such an outcome is universally undesirable in the realm of domestic football is a major achievement - we've got to keep it going.
"Substantial financial resources flowing into the game and has been invested for the past two decades, because there are no assurances it will keep flowing into the sport, which is among the factors explaining I think we have to maintain a focused outlook on risk and of course, of the immediate future."
Top Flight Apprehensions
Elite division representatives objected to the establishment of an oversight body because of concerns about detrimental effects on the elite division's competitive balance, but Kogan said: "I completely endorse the prosperity and expansion as an commercial operation of the Premier League.
"Being fully aware of the worry about compromising the division as a high-quality offering of this country. But simultaneously, if you consult with top flight officials after the recent gathering, they would have had a substantial amount of confidence -and, indeed, they have been telling us in private they have a high level of reassurance."
Ideological Links
The regulator remains subject to a "comprehensive investigation" by the Commissioner for Public Appointments after he disclosed making donations to the opposition group in recent years.
The official provided financial support for Culture Secretary the politician's campaign, along with that of the current Prime Minister.
"I have been entirely transparent regarding my previous political affiliation [with Labour], and that ideological connection terminated the day the parliamentary committee confirmed my selection," the chairman stated.
"I am presently disconnected from any sort of politics."
