'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 looking to gain the ability to investigate clubs in similar circumstances, the recently named head the official has announced.
In a wide-ranging interview, the chairman, who was named to the position this week, expressed "sympathy" towards Wednesday's fanbase.
Kogan met with four supporter groups connected to the football team in recent days.
The football club have been facing challenges both on and off the pitch in the current year, with the club missing wage payments on five separate occasions, including in September.
"Obviously the club has become a serious issue for football authorities and a significant problem for football," the chairman stated.
"Sheffield Wednesday is one of the historic institutions for English football 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 need to be investigated and addressed."
Monetary Issues and Proprietorship Status
Wednesday's embattled owner Dejphon Chansiri stated during the off-season he would be willing to sell up at their home ground, but he has been unable to finalize an agreement with potential new owners.
Delayed salary payments on time in March and May caused limitations by the league officials in summer, preventing the club from carrying out any player acquisitions for the following recruitment periods, although those limitations were removed in August.
Official's Viewpoint
The chairman stated: "Our role exists to serve the fans of Sheffield Wednesday, Bury or any football club 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 all the clubs that over recent decades have faced collapse, or nearly ceased operations, for causes separate from the supporters."
Inquired if the regulator could force an chairman to relinquish a club if they are deemed unsuitable, Kogan said: "If your question is 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the response would be once we gather the evidence and comprehend the circumstances, we will."
But the regulator clarified that forcing owners to sell clubs would be viewed as the ultimate measure and the oversight body would choose to collaborate with owners.
"The last thing what we want to do is start getting involved with an specific team, an individual owner, without having the opportunity to collaborate with that proprietor to address the challenges confronting the team and the owner's facing," the chairman stated.
"In actuality, when you look back over the history of the game, over the last 20 or 30 years there have been particular chairmen, a small minority, but some who have been irresponsible in the approach they have taken toward their clubs and ultimately refuse to accept accountability for the future."
Owls fans have been voicing opposition to owner Dejphon Chansiri in recent months
'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 stated it constituted a "forward-thinking discussion" with a "substantial involvement" from the lower divisions to the top flight.
"It's a job that's actually really important, because if we get it wrong, if the world of football gets it wrong, the significant advances achieved could disappear incredibly quickly," Kogan said.
"This represents everyone's worst fear in the realm of domestic football is a major achievement - we must maintain momentum.
"Substantial financial resources entering the sport and has been invested for the recent generations, because there are no assurances it will continue to come into football, which is part of the rationale behind I think we have to adopt a precise perspective on potential dangers and naturally, of the coming seasons."
Elite Division Worries
Elite division representatives objected to the formation of an authority because of apprehensions regarding adverse consequences on the elite division's competitive balance, but the chairman responded: "I completely endorse the success and growth as an commercial operation of the Premier League.
"I of all people understand the concern of undermining the division as a high-quality offering of the nation. But concurrently, if you engage with division representatives after today's meeting, they would have had a high level of reassurance -and, in fact, they have been informing us confidentially they have a considerable comfort."
Partisan Associations
The chairman continues to confront a "comprehensive investigation" by the public appointments commissioner after he revealed he contributed money to the Labour Party in 2020.
The 68-year-old donated money to government minister Lisa Nandy's leadership campaign, along with that of the current Prime Minister.
"I have been entirely transparent regarding my former ideological connection [with Labour], and that political affiliation came to an end the day the select committee approved my appointment," the regulator explained.
"I am no longer involved in any type of partisan engagement."
