'We are going to be a part of football's future' - independent football regulator the new chairman
The Championship club's persistent issues constitute a "significant problem" and the independent regulator is looking to gain the ability to examine team situations in similar circumstances, the recently named head the official has declared.
In a wide-ranging interview, the chairman, who was appointed on Monday, voiced concern towards supporters of the Owls.
The regulator engaged with four supporters' associations connected to the South Yorkshire club recently.
The team have been struggling on and off the field in the current year, with the club failing to pay players on time on five separate occasions, including in the autumn.
"Evidently Wednesday represents a serious issue for football authorities and a significant problem for football," the regulator explained.
"The club represents one of the historic institutions for football in England and this week we have met fan representatives.
"We are seeking authority... which will enable us to take Wednesday and comparable cases referred to us if they require examination and addressed."
Economic Challenges and Ownership Situation
Wednesday's embattled owner Dejphon Chansiri stated during the off-season he would be prepared to relinquish control at Hillsborough, but he has not been able to secure a deal with interested parties.
Delayed salary payments on time in earlier this year caused limitations by the league officials in mid-year, blocking the team from conducting any player acquisitions for the subsequent signing windows, although those limitations were removed in late summer.
Authority's Position
The regulator explained: "Our role exists to serve the supporters of Wednesday, teams facing challenges where fans are dedicated to a regional establishment that has existed throughout their lifetimes in many cases.
"I have absolute sympathy for the team's plight, as I do for every team that in modern times have encountered failure, or approached financial ruin, for causes separate from the fans themselves."
Inquired if the regulator could force an owner to sell a club if they are deemed unsuitable, the regulator answered: "When asking whether 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the reply is once we collect the information and understand the situation, we will."
But Kogan stressed that requiring chairmen to relinquish clubs would be treated as a "last resort" and the regulator would prefer to cooperate with proprietors.
"The final option we would consider is begin intervening in an specific team, an individual owner, without being in a position to cooperate with that owner to try and resolve the problems affecting the organization and the proprietor's dealing with," the chairman stated.
"In actuality, when you examine the past of the game, over the recent generations there have been particular chairmen, a small minority, but some who have been irresponsible in the approach they have taken toward their clubs and ultimately don't wish to take responsibility for the long-term prospects."
Sheffield Wednesday supporters have been demonstrating against the current proprietor this season
'Errors may undo substantial development'
The chairman convened with officials from numerous teams to lay out the remit of the oversight body this week and stated it constituted a "forward-thinking discussion" with a "substantial involvement" from the National League to the Premier League.
"The role holds considerable importance, because if we get it wrong, if the football community fails, the significant advances achieved might evaporate rapidly," the regulator warned.
"And that's what nobody wants in the context of the English game is a huge success story - we've got to keep it going.
"Considerable investment coming into football and has been invested for the recent generations, because certainty is lacking it will persist in entering the game, which is one of the reasons why I think we have to take a really clear view on potential dangers and naturally, of the immediate future."
Premier League Concerns
Top flight officials resisted the establishment of an oversight body because of fears of a negative impact on the elite division's competitive balance, but the chairman responded: "I fully support the prosperity and expansion as an commercial operation of the top division.
"I of all people understand the concern of undermining the top flight as an elite competition of the nation. But simultaneously, if you consult with top flight officials after this week's discussion, they would have had a substantial amount of confidence -and, in fact, they have been advising us privately they have a high level of reassurance."
Political Connections
The regulator remains subject to a "full inquiry" by the public appointments commissioner after he acknowledged providing funds to the opposition group in the past.
The chairman contributed funds to Culture Secretary the politician's campaign, along with that of the government leader.
"I have fully disclosed my past party membership [with Labour], and that ideological connection terminated the day the parliamentary committee confirmed my selection," the chairman stated.
"I am presently disconnected from any form of political activity."
