David Kogan - Potential football regulator nominee, gave funds to Starmer and Nandy
Article:
Football's next regulator contender, David Kogan, has shed light on his political contributions – offering a donation to both Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy – while assuring absolute independence if elected. This hasn't stopped whispers of political influence lingering over his potential appointment.
Kogan, a celebrated Labour historian, divulged that he granted "miniscule funds" to Starmer and Nandy's leadership bids in 2020. As Prime Minister and Culture Secretary, their considerations carry weight in his possible appointment, although the upcoming football regulator will maintain independence.
Unfazed, Kogan asserted before a Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing, "I stand firm on my personal and political independence, having been transparent about my Labour connections." Regarding his past donations, he stated, "It was a personal belief that Labour needed a leadership tussle between experienced candidates, and I've never been too close to those whom I donated." He further added, "I believe the regulator itself ensures independence, with no room for politicking."
Under the Microscope: David Kogan and Bias
Hired gun for media rights, Kogan's portfolio includes Premier League, English Football League, and Women's Super League advice[1]. Nevertheless, Caroline Dinenage MP, CMS Committee Chair, probed his Crusade to shake off allegations of being a "lapdog" for the Prime Minister, a pawn of the Culture Secretary, or a Labour marionette.
Kogan countered, "I've never met Keir Starmer one-on-one, not even since he became Prime Minister. Being transparent and accountable is the surefire way to dispel bias perceptions."
Conceding, Kogan admitted to bypassing the regulator's advertisement under the Conservatives due to his Labour connections but was swayed by Lucy Frazer[2]. Subsequently, he withdrew as the process stalled during an election but was enticed back by Lisa Nandy in March[2].
[1] Kogan has a 45-year career in media and sports, featuring mammoth TV right negotiations for the Premier League, English Football League and others alongside advisory roles for UEFA and the NFL. [Source: Enrichment Data]
[2] Kogan inadvertently eschewed the application process when the Chair post was advertised under the Conservatives due to his Labour links but was persuaded by then Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer. However, he later withdrew during election times but was lured back by Lisa Nandy in March. [Source: Enrichment Data]
[3] David Kogan's political donations to the Labour Party, including Starmer and Nandy, became a topic of contention during his pre-appointment hearing with the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. [Source: Enrichment Data]
[4] While acknowledging potential political bias concerns regarding his appointment, the CMS Committee endorsed Kogan, emphasizing the importance of his experience in the role, but urging him to demonstrate his independence to the football community. [Source: Enrichment Data]
- David Kogan, a potential football regulator, has contributed to both Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy's political campaigns, a fact that has sparked discussions about political influence in his potential appointment.
- Despite his political donations, Kogan maintains he will ensure absolute independence if elected as the football regulator, emphasizing his personal and political independence.
- Kogan's career includes offering advice to various sports leagues like the Premier League, English Football League, and Women's Super League, as well as consulting roles for UEFA and the NFL.
- During his pre-appointment hearing with the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, discussions around Kogan's political donations to the Labour Party, including Starmer and Nandy, arose as a topic of contention.
- Caroline Dinenage MP, CMS Committee Chair, pressed Kogan to address allegations of political bias, as he was lured back into the application process by Lisa Nandy in March.
- Despite the potential bias concerns, the CMS Committee endorsed Kogan, highlighting the importance of his experience in the role, but urging him to demonstrate his independence to the football community.
