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New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
UK government faces inquiry into appointment of new independent football regulator chair
The UK government faces a 'full inquiry' into the handling of its proposed appointment of the new chairman of the independent football regulator, David Kogan. Focus will fall on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which received an email addressed to Permanent Secretary, Susannah Storey last Thursday (May 29) from the Commissioner for Public Appointments, William Shawcross, who is likely to interview both Kogan and the secretary of state, Lisa Nandy, during his investigations. Advertisement Shawcross decided to proceed with an inquiry after initial 'spot checks' raised unspecified concerns about the process. Kogan, 67, was not on the initial three-person shortlist for the role but was recommended by Nandy after more than two decades negotiating TV rights sales on behalf of the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Women's Super League. Nandy named Kogan as her choice to chair the regulator in April and on May 9 he was revealed as the preferred candidate, with a report from the DCMS 'recognising his vast experience in the football and media sectors'. Shawcross, 79, was appointed to his role in 2021 following a long career in broadcasting and writing, which included a biography of media magnate Rupert Murdoch. It is his responsibility to provide independent assurance that public hires are made in accordance with a governance code that include principles such as integrity, merit, openness, diversity and fairness. Once the inquiry has been completed, Shawcross will advise whether the appointment process has followed certain guidelines. He does not have the power to decide what happens next but his findings will influence the credibility of any government decision about how it proceeds. A DCMS spokesperson said: 'We have received the letter from the Commissioner for Public Appointments and we look forward to co-operating fully with his office. The appointment is in the process of being ratified in the usual way.' Kogan started his career as a journalist and set up a media advisory company called Reel Enterprises in 1997, and this became the go-to advisor for any league or governing body trying to maximise the value of its broadcast rights. He sold Reel Enterprises to media company Wasserman in 2011 but has continued to work with clients including the English Football League, International Olympic Committee, Premier League and the NFL on their rights auctions, as well as advising companies such as CNN and the New York Times on their digital strategies. Advertisement Since 2022, Kogan has made nine donations to Labour candidates and the party itself, totalling more than £33,000. He has also written two books about the party's history. Kogan also applied for the role of independent football regulator chair in 2024 when the Conservative government attempted to get its version of the Football Governance Bill through parliament. However, Rishi Sunak called an election in the summer and the Conservatives ran out of time to pass the legislation while in office. A fan-led review called for the introduction of a regulator in November 2021 in the wake of the failed European Super League proposals, and the government announced plans to create one in February 2023. It will be tasked with ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of professional football in England, and will be independent from the government and football authorities.
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Abolishing culture, media and sport department would be ‘madness'
When pressed on recent reports that DCMS is in the firing line, Sir Chris branded these 'daft rumours', adding: 'Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished.' Lisa Nandy's absence at DCMS questions on Thursday was also pointed out by the chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage. Speaking in the Commons, the Conservative MP for Gosport, said: 'While the Secretary of State is awol today, rumours abound that the whole DCMS is for the chop. He must see that this sends out a terrible message to those sectors about how their Government values the power of those industries. 'So, I wondered if he'd take the opportunity today to, first of all, put that rumour to bed and, if he can't, perhaps he'd like to take the chance to put on record that this would be a horrible idea.' Sir Chris said the Culture Secretary is 'doing a very important job of building our relationship with Japan', as she attends the World Expo Conference in Osaka. He added: 'One of the worst things if we were to get rid of the department is that we'd have to get rid of the select committee as well, and for that matter the whole of the front bench – oh hang on, maybe it's a good idea.' 'I'm not going to put this rumour to bed – I'm going to bury it, because in the words of Stephen Sondheim, I'm absolutely certain that in a year's time we will be able to sing as in the musical Follies, I'm Still Here,' Sir Chris said. Liberal Democrat culture spokesperson Max Wilkinson said: 'He says he's burying the rumour about the abolition of DCMS, so why does he think that so many people here think it's going to happen, and why is it being briefed out to the press so often?' Conservative MP for Gosport Dame Caroline Dinenage (Andrew Matthews/PA) Sir Chris replied: 'Why on Earth is he perpetuating daft rumours? That's the question I want to ask myself. Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished. It would be absolutely madness. 'This department touches the lives of nearly everybody in the country every single day of the week, whether it's through sport, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, or it's through broadcasting or it's through our wonderful creative industries – so many different aspects of what we do touch everybody. 'I cannot see any way in which this department is going to be abolished.' Shadow culture minister Stuart Andrew said: 'I know that (Sir Chris) has been on a long audition for the role of Secretary of State for the department, so his comments about the rumours about the abolishing of DCMS are reassuring. 'But can I gently point out that most of these briefings seem to be coming from number 10? So will the minister speak to people in number 10 to give reassurance to all of those sectors that this department will remain for the years ahead?' Culture minister Stephanie Peacock replied: 'I think my colleague has very much dismissed those rumours. Let's not believe everything we read in the papers.' Shadow culture minister Stuart Andrew (Aaron Chown/PA) Mr Andrew also raised concerns about the appointment of David Kogan as chair of English football's new independent regulator. He said: 'The nominee for the chair of the football regulator continues to raise serious questions, during the hearing of the select committee, it was revealed the candidate had also donated to both the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister's leadership campaigns, something I don't recall being declared during second reading. 'The Secretary of State has now, rightly, been forced to recuse herself from the process. Given the appointment will likely have a prime ministerial interest, will the Prime Minister be doing the same?' Ms Peacock replied: 'There is no suggestion of wrongdoing and, indeed, David Kogan was approached under his government for the role. We have got full confidence, he was endorsed by the cross-party select committee.' Mr Andrew said Mr Kogan was approached by the Permanent Secretary, not by 'political ministers'. Ms Peacock replied: 'David Kogan was appointed to the board of Channel 4 under the previous Conservative government. He has been welcomed across this House and across the media and footballing world.'
Leader Live
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Abolishing culture, media and sport department would be ‘madness'
When pressed on recent reports that DCMS is in the firing line, Sir Chris branded these 'daft rumours', adding: 'Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished.' Lisa Nandy's absence at DCMS questions on Thursday was also pointed out by the chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage. Speaking in the Commons, the Conservative MP for Gosport, said: 'While the Secretary of State is awol today, rumours abound that the whole DCMS is for the chop. He must see that this sends out a terrible message to those sectors about how their Government values the power of those industries. 'So, I wondered if he'd take the opportunity today to, first of all, put that rumour to bed and, if he can't, perhaps he'd like to take the chance to put on record that this would be a horrible idea.' Sir Chris said the Culture Secretary is 'doing a very important job of building our relationship with Japan', as she attends the World Expo Conference in Osaka. He added: 'One of the worst things if we were to get rid of the department is that we'd have to get rid of the select committee as well, and for that matter the whole of the front bench – oh hang on, maybe it's a good idea.' 'I'm not going to put this rumour to bed – I'm going to bury it, because in the words of Stephen Sondheim, I'm absolutely certain that in a year's time we will be able to sing as in the musical Follies, I'm Still Here,' Sir Chris said. Liberal Democrat culture spokesperson Max Wilkinson said: 'He says he's burying the rumour about the abolition of DCMS, so why does he think that so many people here think it's going to happen, and why is it being briefed out to the press so often?' Sir Chris replied: 'Why on Earth is he perpetuating daft rumours? That's the question I want to ask myself. Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished. It would be absolutely madness. 'This department touches the lives of nearly everybody in the country every single day of the week, whether it's through sport, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, or it's through broadcasting or it's through our wonderful creative industries – so many different aspects of what we do touch everybody. 'I cannot see any way in which this department is going to be abolished.' Shadow culture minister Stuart Andrew said: 'I know that (Sir Chris) has been on a long audition for the role of Secretary of State for the department, so his comments about the rumours about the abolishing of DCMS are reassuring. 'But can I gently point out that most of these briefings seem to be coming from number 10? So will the minister speak to people in number 10 to give reassurance to all of those sectors that this department will remain for the years ahead?' Culture minister Stephanie Peacock replied: 'I think my colleague has very much dismissed those rumours. Let's not believe everything we read in the papers.' Mr Andrew also raised concerns about the appointment of David Kogan as chair of English football's new independent regulator. He said: 'The nominee for the chair of the football regulator continues to raise serious questions, during the hearing of the select committee, it was revealed the candidate had also donated to both the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister's leadership campaigns, something I don't recall being declared during second reading. 'The Secretary of State has now, rightly, been forced to recuse herself from the process. Given the appointment will likely have a prime ministerial interest, will the Prime Minister be doing the same?' Ms Peacock replied: 'There is no suggestion of wrongdoing and, indeed, David Kogan was approached under his government for the role. We have got full confidence, he was endorsed by the cross-party select committee.' Mr Andrew said Mr Kogan was approached by the Permanent Secretary, not by 'political ministers'. Ms Peacock replied: 'David Kogan was appointed to the board of Channel 4 under the previous Conservative government. He has been welcomed across this House and across the media and footballing world.'
Rhyl Journal
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Abolishing culture, media and sport department would be ‘madness'
When pressed on recent reports that DCMS is in the firing line, Sir Chris branded these 'daft rumours', adding: 'Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished.' Lisa Nandy's absence at DCMS questions on Thursday was also pointed out by the chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage. Speaking in the Commons, the Conservative MP for Gosport, said: 'While the Secretary of State is awol today, rumours abound that the whole DCMS is for the chop. He must see that this sends out a terrible message to those sectors about how their Government values the power of those industries. 'So, I wondered if he'd take the opportunity today to, first of all, put that rumour to bed and, if he can't, perhaps he'd like to take the chance to put on record that this would be a horrible idea.' Sir Chris said the Culture Secretary is 'doing a very important job of building our relationship with Japan', as she attends the World Expo Conference in Osaka. He added: 'One of the worst things if we were to get rid of the department is that we'd have to get rid of the select committee as well, and for that matter the whole of the front bench – oh hang on, maybe it's a good idea.' 'I'm not going to put this rumour to bed – I'm going to bury it, because in the words of Stephen Sondheim, I'm absolutely certain that in a year's time we will be able to sing as in the musical Follies, I'm Still Here,' Sir Chris said. Liberal Democrat culture spokesperson Max Wilkinson said: 'He says he's burying the rumour about the abolition of DCMS, so why does he think that so many people here think it's going to happen, and why is it being briefed out to the press so often?' Sir Chris replied: 'Why on Earth is he perpetuating daft rumours? That's the question I want to ask myself. Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished. It would be absolutely madness. 'This department touches the lives of nearly everybody in the country every single day of the week, whether it's through sport, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, or it's through broadcasting or it's through our wonderful creative industries – so many different aspects of what we do touch everybody. 'I cannot see any way in which this department is going to be abolished.' Shadow culture minister Stuart Andrew said: 'I know that (Sir Chris) has been on a long audition for the role of Secretary of State for the department, so his comments about the rumours about the abolishing of DCMS are reassuring. 'But can I gently point out that most of these briefings seem to be coming from number 10? So will the minister speak to people in number 10 to give reassurance to all of those sectors that this department will remain for the years ahead?' Culture minister Stephanie Peacock replied: 'I think my colleague has very much dismissed those rumours. Let's not believe everything we read in the papers.' Mr Andrew also raised concerns about the appointment of David Kogan as chair of English football's new independent regulator. He said: 'The nominee for the chair of the football regulator continues to raise serious questions, during the hearing of the select committee, it was revealed the candidate had also donated to both the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister's leadership campaigns, something I don't recall being declared during second reading. 'The Secretary of State has now, rightly, been forced to recuse herself from the process. Given the appointment will likely have a prime ministerial interest, will the Prime Minister be doing the same?' Ms Peacock replied: 'There is no suggestion of wrongdoing and, indeed, David Kogan was approached under his government for the role. We have got full confidence, he was endorsed by the cross-party select committee.' Mr Andrew said Mr Kogan was approached by the Permanent Secretary, not by 'political ministers'. Ms Peacock replied: 'David Kogan was appointed to the board of Channel 4 under the previous Conservative government. He has been welcomed across this House and across the media and footballing world.'
North Wales Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Abolishing culture, media and sport department would be ‘madness'
When pressed on recent reports that DCMS is in the firing line, Sir Chris branded these 'daft rumours', adding: 'Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished.' Lisa Nandy's absence at DCMS questions on Thursday was also pointed out by the chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage. Speaking in the Commons, the Conservative MP for Gosport, said: 'While the Secretary of State is awol today, rumours abound that the whole DCMS is for the chop. He must see that this sends out a terrible message to those sectors about how their Government values the power of those industries. 'So, I wondered if he'd take the opportunity today to, first of all, put that rumour to bed and, if he can't, perhaps he'd like to take the chance to put on record that this would be a horrible idea.' Sir Chris said the Culture Secretary is 'doing a very important job of building our relationship with Japan', as she attends the World Expo Conference in Osaka. He added: 'One of the worst things if we were to get rid of the department is that we'd have to get rid of the select committee as well, and for that matter the whole of the front bench – oh hang on, maybe it's a good idea.' 'I'm not going to put this rumour to bed – I'm going to bury it, because in the words of Stephen Sondheim, I'm absolutely certain that in a year's time we will be able to sing as in the musical Follies, I'm Still Here,' Sir Chris said. Liberal Democrat culture spokesperson Max Wilkinson said: 'He says he's burying the rumour about the abolition of DCMS, so why does he think that so many people here think it's going to happen, and why is it being briefed out to the press so often?' Sir Chris replied: 'Why on Earth is he perpetuating daft rumours? That's the question I want to ask myself. Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished. It would be absolutely madness. 'This department touches the lives of nearly everybody in the country every single day of the week, whether it's through sport, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, or it's through broadcasting or it's through our wonderful creative industries – so many different aspects of what we do touch everybody. 'I cannot see any way in which this department is going to be abolished.' Shadow culture minister Stuart Andrew said: 'I know that (Sir Chris) has been on a long audition for the role of Secretary of State for the department, so his comments about the rumours about the abolishing of DCMS are reassuring. 'But can I gently point out that most of these briefings seem to be coming from number 10? So will the minister speak to people in number 10 to give reassurance to all of those sectors that this department will remain for the years ahead?' Culture minister Stephanie Peacock replied: 'I think my colleague has very much dismissed those rumours. Let's not believe everything we read in the papers.' Mr Andrew also raised concerns about the appointment of David Kogan as chair of English football's new independent regulator. He said: 'The nominee for the chair of the football regulator continues to raise serious questions, during the hearing of the select committee, it was revealed the candidate had also donated to both the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister's leadership campaigns, something I don't recall being declared during second reading. 'The Secretary of State has now, rightly, been forced to recuse herself from the process. Given the appointment will likely have a prime ministerial interest, will the Prime Minister be doing the same?' Ms Peacock replied: 'There is no suggestion of wrongdoing and, indeed, David Kogan was approached under his government for the role. We have got full confidence, he was endorsed by the cross-party select committee.' Mr Andrew said Mr Kogan was approached by the Permanent Secretary, not by 'political ministers'. Ms Peacock replied: 'David Kogan was appointed to the board of Channel 4 under the previous Conservative government. He has been welcomed across this House and across the media and footballing world.'
