Regulator has ‘power’ to force Man City sale

The Independent Regulator (IFR) in English football holds absolute power to force Manchester City's owners to sell their club if they are found to have operated improperly, according to the IFR's chair, David Kogan. Since a 2008 takeover led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the vice-president and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, Manchester City has become the dominant force in English football.

Over 100 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules were brought against the club between 2009 and 2018, resulting in a guilty verdict. The club has appealed the decision and denies any wrongdoing, but faces severe sanctions unless the verdict is overturned. Kogan stated that they have the power to ask an owner to step away from the club if they believe the owner is running the club in a manner that is unfit, unfair, or improper.

When asked if an owner could refuse to sell the club, Kogan affirmed that the IFR has absolute power in this regard. Kogan also expressed that he would resign if there were any political interference in any investigation the IFR may undertake into Manchester City. This issue poses a delicate balancing act for the UK government in maintaining its long-standing ties with the UAE without interfering in the independence of the disciplinary action against Manchester City.