Sports media rights executive David Kogan is on the verge of being appointed as the chair of English football's new independent regulator. Senior sources indicate that the government is likely to announce the decision soon, potentially as early as Friday.

If confirmed, Kogan will face a confirmation hearing with MPs on the Culture, Media, and Sport select committee next month. This role comes as part of the Football Governance Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament. The bill aims to establish the first independent regulator for professional men's football in England, granting it oversight over clubs in the top five divisions.

Kogan, a former BBC journalist and director of the Women's Sports Group, played a pivotal role in negotiating media rights deals for the Women's Super League and Women's Championship last year. His new responsibilities will include addressing the long-standing dispute between the Premier League and the EFL over parachute payments to relegated clubs and financial redistribution.

However, Kogan's close ties to the Premier League, where he served as a media rights advisor from 1998 to 2015, and his connections to the Labour party have raised concerns. Critics argue that his appointment could compromise the regulator's impartiality. Rick Parry, chairman of the EFL, has been a vocal advocate for an independent regulator, while the Premier League fears it may negatively impact competitiveness and investment.

The appointment has also drawn political criticism. Shadow sports minister Louie French accused the government of favoring a Labour donor, questioning the regulator's ability to operate impartially. Labour sources, however, have dismissed these claims, emphasizing Kogan's qualifications and respect within the industry.

Kogan's potential appointment follows a competitive selection process, where he was preferred over other candidates, including Christian Purslow, former CEO of Aston Villa and Liverpool, and Sanjay Bhandari, chairman of the anti-racism charity Kick It Out.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to reform football governance in England, with Kogan poised to play a central role in shaping the future of the sport.