'We are going to be a part of football's future' - independent football regulator the regulator's chair
The team's ongoing struggles constitute a "serious issue" and the independent regulator is looking to gain the ability to examine team situations in similar circumstances, the newly appointed chairman David Kogan has stated.
In a wide-ranging interview, Kogan, who was named to the position this week, showed understanding towards the club's followers.
The regulator engaged with four supporters' associations connected to the Championship side this week.
The team have been struggling on and off the field in this season, with the club delaying salary disbursements on several different times, including in the autumn.
"Clearly Sheffield Wednesday has been a major concern for the league and a substantial concern for English football," the regulator explained.
"The club represents one of the great brands for football in England and in recent days we have met fan representatives.
"Our aim is to acquire the ability... which will enable us to take the club and similar situations brought to our attention if they need to be investigated and dealt with."
Financial Struggles and Ownership Situation
Wednesday's embattled owner the Thai businessman suggested earlier this year he would be prepared to relinquish control at their home ground, but he has been unable to finalize an agreement with interested parties.
Delayed salary payments on time in earlier this year caused limitations by the league officials in mid-year, stopping Wednesday from completing any recruitment activities for the following recruitment periods, although those limitations were removed in the end of the transfer window.
Authority's Position
The chairman stated: "Our role exists to serve the supporters of Wednesday, other clubs in similar situations where supporters are loyal to a local institution that has existed throughout their lifetimes in many cases.
"I have absolute sympathy for Sheffield Wednesday, as I do for every team that since 1992 have gone to the wall, or approached financial ruin, for causes separate from the supporters."
Inquired if the regulator could force an owner to sell a club if they are judged inappropriate, Kogan said: "Should the inquiry concern 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the response would be once we gather the evidence and comprehend the circumstances, we will."
But the regulator clarified that forcing owners to sell clubs would be viewed as the ultimate measure and the oversight body would choose to collaborate with owners.
"The last thing what we want to do is begin intervening in an individual club, an individual owner, without being in a position to cooperate with that proprietor to address the problems affecting the organization and the proprietor's dealing with," the chairman stated.
"However, realistically, when you review the record of the sport, over the past few decades there have been particular chairmen, a small minority, but certain individuals who have acted carelessly in the manner they have operated their clubs and ultimately decline to assume obligation for the future."
Owls fans have been protesting against the current proprietor this season
'Errors may undo substantial development'
Kogan met with officials from numerous teams to detail the scope of the authority recently and stated it constituted a "forward-thinking discussion" with a "substantial involvement" from the grassroots to elite level.
"This position carries substantial significance, because if we get it wrong, if the football community fails, the significant advances achieved might evaporate incredibly quickly," Kogan said.
"And that's what nobody wants in the terms of English football is a major achievement - we need to continue the progress.
"Substantial financial resources coming into football and has come into football for the recent generations, because there are no assurances it will persist in entering the game, which is one of the reasons why I think we have to adopt a precise perspective on potential dangers and naturally, of the coming seasons."
Top Flight Apprehensions
Top flight officials resisted the formation of an authority because of concerns about detrimental effects on the Premier League's sporting equality, but the regulator stated: "I completely endorse the achievement and development as an economic entity of the Premier League.
"As someone who appreciates the concern of undermining the top flight as an elite competition of the nation. But at the same time, if you engage with division representatives after the recent gathering, they would have had a high level of reassurance -and, actually, they have been informing us confidentially they have a considerable comfort."
Political Connections
The chairman continues to confront a "thorough examination" by the official appointments authority after he revealed he contributed money to the Labour Party in recent years.
The official donated money to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport the politician's campaign, along with that of the government leader.
"I've been completely open about my former ideological connection [with Labour], and that party membership ceased the day the select committee approved my appointment," the chairman stated.
"I am presently disconnected from any type of partisan engagement."
