'We are going to be a part of football's future' - independent football regulator the new chairman
The team's current difficulties constitute a "significant problem" and the independent regulator is aiming to acquire authority to investigate clubs in comparable cases, the recently named head the official has announced.
Through a comprehensive talk, the regulator, who was named to the position this week, voiced concern towards Wednesday's fanbase.
Kogan met with four supporter groups connected to the football team recently.
The football club have been facing challenges both on and off the pitch in 2025, with the club delaying salary disbursements on several different times, including in last month.
"Clearly Sheffield Wednesday has been a significant problem for EFL and a major challenge for the sport," the chairman stated.
"Sheffield Wednesday is one of the great brands for the English game and this week we have met Sheffield Wednesday supporters' groups.
"We're now looking to get powers... which will allow us to have Sheffield Wednesday - and other clubs submitted for our review if they require examination and dealt with."
Economic Challenges and Proprietorship Status
Wednesday's embattled owner Dejphon Chansiri stated during the off-season he would be prepared to relinquish control at their home ground, but he has been unable to finalize an agreement with interested parties.
Delayed salary payments on time in March and May caused limitations by the English Football League (EFL) in mid-year, blocking the team from conducting any transfers or loans for the next three transfer windows, although that restriction was lifted in the end of the transfer window.
Official's Viewpoint
The regulator explained: "Our role exists to serve the Owls followers, Bury or any football club where fans are dedicated to a local institution that has been part of their lives in multiple situations.
"I completely understand Sheffield Wednesday, as I do for all the clubs that in modern times have encountered failure, or approached financial ruin, for reasons that have nothing to do with the fans themselves."
When asked 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 response would be once we collect the information and understand the situation, we will."
But Kogan stressed that requiring chairmen to relinquish clubs would be considered the final option and the oversight body would choose to cooperate with proprietors.
"The final option we would consider is begin intervening in an particular organization, an particular chairman, without being able to work with that owner to try and resolve the problems affecting the organization and the owner's facing," the chairman stated.
"In actuality, when you examine the past of the sport, over the recent generations there have been particular chairmen, a small minority, but certain individuals who have acted carelessly in the approach they have taken toward their organizations and finally refuse to accept accountability for the future."
Sheffield Wednesday supporters have been protesting against the current proprietor during the current campaign
'Mistakes could erase significant advances'
The chairman convened with representatives from 110 clubs to lay out the remit of the oversight body this week and maintained it represented a "proactive meeting" with a "significant participation" from the grassroots to elite level.
"This position carries substantial significance, because if errors are made, if the world of football gets it wrong, the significant advances achieved could disappear rapidly," Kogan said.
"And that's what nobody wants in the terms of English football is a substantial accomplishment - we've got to keep it going.
"Considerable investment entering the sport and has been invested for the recent generations, because there are no assurances it will persist in entering the game, which is one of the reasons why I think we have to take a really clear view on challenges and obviously, of the next two or three years."
Premier League Concerns
Top flight officials resisted the formation of an authority because of concerns about detrimental effects on the elite division's competitive balance, but the regulator stated: "I completely endorse the achievement and development as an commercial operation of the elite league.
"I of all people understand the worry about compromising the Premier League as a premium product of this country. But simultaneously, if you consult with top flight officials after today's meeting, they would have had a substantial amount of confidence -and, actually, they have been informing us confidentially they have a considerable comfort."
Political Connections
The regulator remains subject to a "thorough examination" by the Commissioner for Public Appointments after he revealed he contributed money to the political party in the past.
The official donated money to government minister Lisa Nandy's leadership campaign, along with that of the now Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
"I have been entirely transparent regarding my past party membership [with Labour], and that party membership ceased the day the official body endorsed my nomination," the regulator explained.
"I am presently disconnected from any form of political activity."
