(Reuters) -The British government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed David Kogan on Monday as chair of England’s Independent Football Regulator (IFR).
The IFR has been set up because although the Premier League is regarded as the best in Europe, with clubs enjoying huge TV broadcasting revenues, the lower tiers of English football are struggling.
The IFR will have powers to operate a licensing scheme for the top-five levels, with licences subject to clubs meeting requirements regarding financial stability, owners’ suitability, fan engagement and the protection of their heritage.
Kogan, who has had a 45-year career as a media executive, business leader and corporate adviser and negotiated TV rights deals on behalf of sporting bodies including the Premier League, was named as the government’s preferred candidate in April.
A UK parliamentary committee also endorsed Kogan as chair of the independent regulator.
Kogan’s five-year term will include time served as chair-designate before the country’s Football Governance Act received Royal Assent in July, the department said in a statement.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
