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David Kogan has been endorsed by a parliamentary select committee to lead football’s new independent regulator, though he has been urged to take clear measures to prove his political neutrality.

Kogan disclosed to MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee that he donated to the Labour Party in 2020, specifically supporting the leadership campaigns of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

He also acknowledged contributing financially to other Labour figures.

Despite these links, Kogan assured the committee that he is not “susceptible to political pressure.”

In a statement accompanying the committee’s report, released Friday, the MPs acknowledged Kogan’s extensive background in football and media but advised caution.

“The committee recognises Mr Kogan’s vast experience in the football and media sectors,” it said.

“However, it recommends that he takes concrete steps to reassure the football community that he will act impartially and in a politically neutral way, following his disclosure during the meeting of past donations to the Prime Minister and Culture Secretary.”

Kogan was announced as the Government’s preferred candidate for the role last month. Over a 45-year career, he has negotiated television rights deals for the Premier League, EFL, Women’s Super League, and UEFA.

He is known for his expertise as a media executive, corporate advisor, and business leader.

The appointment is tied to the creation of a new football regulator, central to the Football Governance Bill currently at the committee stage in the House of Commons.

The regulator’s main responsibilities will be to ensure financial sustainability and fan accountability across 116 clubs in the top five tiers of English football through a licensing system.

Additionally, the regulator will have “backstop” authority to enforce a financial agreement between the Premier League and the EFL if one cannot be reached independently.

It will also publish a ‘State of the Game’ report, assessing financial movements across the sport.

Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said that while Kogan’s background makes him a strong candidate, his political donations risk perceptions of bias.

“We want to see the new independent football regulator succeed, so it’s crucial that nothing undermines the regulator as it gets up and running.

Mr Kogan must give 110 per cent when it comes to reassuring everyone in the game that he is his own man.

The committee looks forward to working with him constructively and holding him to account.”

Kogan assured the committee in writing that he would not make further political donations if appointed and clarified that his previous contributions were each below the £1,500 threshold that would require declaration.

A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) acknowledged receipt of the committee’s report and said the department will review its findings before confirming the next steps.