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Sheffield Wednesday's current difficulties represent a a "significant problem" and the football regulator is looking to gain the ability to investigate clubs in comparable cases, the recently named head David Kogan has declared.

In a wide-ranging interview, the chairman, who was named to the position this week, expressed "sympathy" towards supporters of the Owls.

The regulator engaged with four supporters' associations representing the football team recently.

The football club have been experiencing difficulties in multiple areas in the current year, with the club missing wage payments on multiple instances, including in last month.

"Obviously the club has become a major concern for the league and a significant problem for football," the chairman stated.

"Sheffield Wednesday is one of the great brands for the English game and recently we have met supporters' organizations.

"We are seeking authority... which will enable us to take Sheffield Wednesday - and other clubs submitted for our review if they require examination and acted upon."

Economic Challenges and Leadership Concerns

Wednesday's embattled owner Dejphon Chansiri 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 potential new owners.

Delayed salary payments on time in spring months caused limitations by the English Football League (EFL) in summer, stopping Wednesday from completing any transfers or loans for the following recruitment periods, although that restriction was lifted in August.

Official's Viewpoint

The regulator explained: "The job [of the regulator] is there for the fans of Sheffield Wednesday, teams facing challenges where people are committed to a community organization that has existed throughout their lifetimes in many cases.

"I fully appreciate the team's plight, as I do for each organization that over recent decades have faced collapse, or approached financial ruin, for reasons that have nothing to do with the fans themselves."

Inquired if the authority might compel an proprietor to divest a club if they are deemed unsuitable, the regulator answered: "If your question is 'would we intervene in the final instance?', the response would be once we gather the evidence and comprehend the circumstances, we will."

But Kogan stressed that requiring chairmen to relinquish clubs would be viewed as the ultimate measure and the oversight body would choose to cooperate with proprietors.

"The final option we would consider is begin intervening in an particular organization, an particular chairman, without being able to work with that proprietor to address the challenges confronting the team and the proprietor's dealing with," Kogan said.

"In actuality, when you examine the past of the game, over the past few decades there have been certain proprietors, few in number, but certain individuals who have acted carelessly in the manner they have operated their clubs and ultimately don't wish to take responsibility for the coming years."

'Errors may undo substantial development'

Kogan met with officials from numerous teams to explain the responsibilities of the authority recently and maintained it represented a "forward-thinking discussion" with a "high level of engagement" from the grassroots to elite level.

"The role holds considerable importance, because if we get it wrong, if the world of football gets it wrong, the extraordinary progress that's been made could disappear incredibly quickly," the chairman stated.

"This represents everyone's worst fear 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 channeled for the last 20 or 25 years, because there's no guarantee it will persist in entering the game, which is among the factors explaining I think we have to maintain a focused outlook on potential dangers and naturally, of the next two or three years."

Top Flight Apprehensions

The Premier League opposed the formation of an authority because of concerns about detrimental effects on the elite division's competitive balance, but the regulator stated: "I'm absolutely committed to the prosperity and expansion as an commercial operation of the elite league.

"I of all people understand the worry about compromising the Premier League as a premium product of England. But at the same time, if you talk to the Premier League after the recent gathering, they would have had a significant degree of comfort -and, actually, they have been advising us privately they have a considerable comfort."

Political Connections

The regulator remains subject to a "thorough examination" by the official appointments authority after he revealed he contributed money to the political party in recent years.

The official donated money to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy's leadership campaign, along with that of the now Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

"I have been entirely transparent regarding my past party membership [with Labour], and that ideological connection terminated the day the select committee approved my appointment," Kogan said.

"I am presently disconnected from any form of political activity."