Uncertainty surrounds the appointment of the first chair of English football’s new watchdog as Whitehall officials have re-engaged with applicants not initially shortlisted, throwing the preferred candidate selection into question.
Sky News has discovered that the top choice for chairing the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) may not come from the group of three candidates interviewed months ago.
The search process has not been officially reopened, but sources reveal that the £130,000-a-year position is unlikely to be filled from the previous shortlist, which featured former Aston Villa Football Club CEO Christian Purslow among others.
In recent weeks, Sky News uncovered other contenders for the role, such as Sanjay Bhandari, chair of the anti-racism football charity Kick It Out, and Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, who led a new parliamentary watchdog following the MPs expenses scandal.
The delay in appointing the IFR’s first chair adds to recent speculation that Sir Keir Starmer aims to limit the powers of the football regulator as part of a broader crackdown on economic watchdogs in the UK.
Despite Downing Street and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s attempt to downplay the rumors, insiders maintain that the IFR will proceed as planned.
The establishment of the regulator in Manchester is a key part of legislation moving through parliament, as the Football Governance Bill wraps up its journey through the House of Lords and prepares for introduction in the Commons.
The creation of the regulator, born out of the fallout from the failed European Super League project, has stirred unrest in English football, with Premier League club Crystal Palace’s chairman expressing concerns about unnecessary interference from the watchdog.
Interviews for the chair role took place in November, with final approval from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a pre-appointment hearing before the Commons culture, media, and sport select committee expected for the chosen candidate.
This process marks a significant overhaul in English football oversight, coinciding with internal conflicts in the top tier of the game, including legal disputes involving Manchester City.
The government has removed a previous requirement for the regulator to consider British foreign and trade policy in assessing new club owners.
When asked about the ongoing chair recruitment process for the football watchdog, the DCMS declined to comment on speculation, confirming that no appointment has been finalized.