The Prime Minister first raised his concerns with the BBC, before denying that his reaction had “downplayed the seriousness of the findings”.
However, some Premier League clubs were so “astonished” by Burnham’s stance that sources told BBC Sport they were “concerned” about political interference in the appeal process.
Burnham’s previous role as mayor of Greater Manchester led to questions about his relationship with Abu Dhabi City property.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch demanded that full details of meetings between the Prime Minister and senior club officials be made public. The government released these details on Monday.
“As far as we are concerned, as a regulator, we have a very, very clear plan of action that is governed by law and we are going to follow that plan of action and no comment from any politician or any individual will affect what we do,” Kogan said.
“The process will determine what we do. The process will lead us to a conclusion.
“We cannot reach any conclusion at this stage as we do not know the outcome of an appeal and once we do we will act accordingly.”
Kogan’s appointment as IFR chair was the subject of an investigation by the Public Appointments Commissioner into his historical links to the Labor Party, having contributed financially to the leadership campaigns of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
Shadow Culture Minister Louie French wrote to the government, citing “concerns about the IFR’s ability to judge this case fairly, without political interference”.
In response, Kogan said: “I can tell you absolutely categorically that any politician who tries to interfere in this matter for political purposes is welcome to try to do so, but I will respect the probity of the organization that I lead. If anyone wants to challenge them after we have taken action, that is entirely up to them.”
The independent panel will hold a sanctions hearing – which could take months – to decide the penalty.
City can appeal both the guilty verdicts and the sanction, leaving the club and the league in a state of chaos and uncertainty.
City’s punishment could range from a huge fine to a points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League.
When asked how crucial it was that the problem be resolved as quickly as possible, Kogan replied: “I think it’s very important.”
Kogan added that the case “would raise very serious issues if Manchester City, on appeal, were found guilty of the allegations contained in these findings.”
“We are waiting like everyone else to see what the independent panel will do… and we will then present our view in terms of our own investigation and our statutory powers if necessary.
“Our powers relate to individual owners, directors and senior managers. They relate to whether people are able to run a club safely, consistently and with probity, and we will look at those things.”
An independent commission held a 42-day hearing in 2024 which resulted in the verdict announced last month, with City found equally guilty on all but one charge relating to non-cooperation with the Premier League investigation.
The commission’s report states that “a number of significant club witnesses gave false evidence on key matters and some knowingly gave false and dishonest evidence.”
Gn sports
