Watchdog is told to 'prepare for worst' by Kogan

FOOTBALL'S new independent regulator will need to be "absolutely watertight" in order to withstand legal challenges from clubs, according to the man set to lead it.

- By JAMIE GARDNER

The English game has become increasingly litigious in recent times, with the Football Association's accounts published last week identifying the threat of legal challenges as one of the principal risks and uncertainties it faces.

The Premier League has faced two challenges from Manchester City to its rules governing commercial deals, and from Leicester over its jurisdiction with regards to its profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

The regulator will operate a licensing system for the 116 clubs in the top five tiers of English football with a principal remit to ensure they are run sustainably and are accountable to their fans.

David Kogan is set to chair the watchdog, having been identified as the Government's preferred candidate last month, and addressed MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport committee about the challenges it will face.