New footie regulator’s boss warned against ‘political bias’ after donating to Labour
THE new football regulator’s boss has been warned against “political bias” after donating to Labour.
A formal complaint over David Kogan’s appointment was also lodged by the Tories.
The sports media exec donated to the leadership campaigns of Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, now the PM and Culture Secretary.
Shadow Culture Secretary Stuart Andrew claimed that this was not properly declared ahead of his selection hearing.
He also raised to the Cabinet Secretary a potential ministerial code breach, with a “perceived conflict of interest”.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee endorsed Mr Kogan as Independent Football Regulator chairman yesterday after a grilling on Wednesday.
But, in a rare caveat, it demanded he “takes concrete steps to reassure the football community he will act impartially and in a politically neutral way”.
Tory Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said: “While Mr Kogan’s background and experience make him well-suited for the role, his past donations to the Labour Party will inevitably leave him open to charges of political bias in a job where independence is paramount.”
“We want to see the new Independent Football Regulator succeed, so it’s crucial that nothing undermines the regulator as it gets up and running.
“Mr Kogan must give 110 per cent when it comes to reassuring everyone in the game that he is his own man.
“The Committee looks forward to working with him constructively and holding him to account.”
No 10 has insisted that all declarations were made in the proper way.