Dan Roan
Sports editor
The head of English football's independent regulator says he will resign if he encounters any political interference over the future of Manchester City.
As chairman of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), David Kogan has the power to assess the suitability of club owners and executives.
If an independent commission's findings that the club broke Premier League financial rules are upheld, the watchdog could even force a sale.
Last month, the Prime Minister Andy Burnham was criticised for saying he would be "really concerned" if the scandal led to Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners selling the club.
"They've been such a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester and obviously the building of Manchester City into the global force that it is," he added.
When asked about Burnham's comments, Kogan told BBC Sport: "The Prime Minister is entirely entitled to make his own observations on anything.
"We are independent. That is in the name. I am the chairman of the Independent Football Regulator and independence absolutely runs through everything we're doing.
"And no politician has tried to influence and would try to influence anything we do on that."
When asked what he would do if he did come under political pressure over the case, Kogan replied: "I would resign."
The prime minister initially told the BBC of his concerns, before later denying 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 has led to questions about his relationship with City's Abu Dhabi ownership.
The independent panel will hold a sanctions hearing - which could take months to convene - to decide on City's punishment.
The club can appeal both the guilty verdicts and the sanction, leaving the league in a state of uncertainty.
City's punishment could range from a huge fine, being deducted points or being ejected from the Premier League.
Asked how crucial it is that it was resolved as soon as possible, Kogan said: "I think it's very important."
Read more on the fallout from City's guilty verdicts