Former Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow is among the contenders to chair a new football watchdog in England, according to reports.
The Football Regulatory Authority (FRA) is set to be established as part of the government’s fan-led review of football governance, which aims to give supporters a greater say in how the game is run.
Purslow, who left Aston Villa in 2021 after three years at the club, is reportedly one of the leading candidates to lead the FRA. He is known for his business acumen and experience in the football industry, having previously held executive roles at Liverpool and Chelsea.
The FRA will be responsible for overseeing the financial management and governance of clubs in the English football pyramid, as well as ensuring that they comply with regulatory requirements and best practices.
The appointment of Purslow or another experienced football executive to chair the FRA would likely be welcomed by fans and stakeholders who are eager to see greater accountability and transparency in the management of football clubs.
The fan-led review of football governance was launched in response to the collapse of the European Super League in April 2021, which sparked widespread outrage among supporters and prompted calls for greater regulation of the sport.
The government has pledged to work with fans, clubs, and other stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the review and ensure that the interests of supporters are at the heart of decision-making in football.
Purslow’s potential appointment as chair of the FRA would be a significant step towards achieving this goal, as his experience and expertise could help to ensure that the watchdog operates effectively and in the best interests of fans and clubs.
Overall, the establishment of the Football Regulatory Authority and the appointment of a strong chairperson like Purslow represent important developments in the ongoing efforts to reform football governance in England and give supporters a greater voice in the game.