Former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow, who helped to secure the club's sale to Fenway Sports Group (FSG) in 2010, is reportedly in line to become the the inaugural chairman of the government's football watchdog. The introduction of an Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has been a controversial subject and is still only a proposal at this stage.

Like the rest of the Premier League and English football as a whole, Liverpool have watched on as the introduction of an IFR has evolved as a topic through the past Conservative government and their Labour successors. In theory, such a body would have the power 'to apply and enforce requirements related to financial regulation, fan engagement, and protection of club heritage, as well as improving governance standards by publishing a football club corporate governance code for clubs to report against'.

It has been divisive simply due to the very nature of the country's government having increased interference in football and competition law in general.

READ MORE: Mohamed Salah proves Alan Shearer wrong with Liverpool contract response - 'that hasn't happened'

READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate sends brilliant message to Mohamed Salah amid Liverpool Premier League title race

To come into force a Football Governance Bill must pass through parliament, but new reports are suggesting the groundwork is being done in advance to get the IFR as stable as possible. With that, Sky News report Purslow is a 'surprise' one of three contenders to head the future operation.

The 61-year-old has most recently been CEO of Aston Villa between 2018 and 2023, and it was comments made during this tenure that make his consideration for the role a peculiar one.

"The Premier League has really always been the source of funding for the rest of football and the danger here is killing the golden goose, if we over-regulate a highly successful and commercial operation," he told BBC in 2021.

"I think we have to be very careful as we contemplate reform that it does not ultimately damage the game. We already have a hugely successful English football Premier League - the most successful in the world."

However, two years later he went on record with Sky News to state: "I like the idea that the government wants to be involved in our national sport.

"These [clubs] are hugely important institutions in their communities, economically and socially - so it's right that they [the government] are interested."

A business analyst by training, Purslow's career has taken him through multiple industries such as asset management, investment banking and clothing retail.

His first step into football was with the Reds, joining as managing director though with the assumed duties of a CEO. His first success was agreeing an £80m four-year deal with Standard Chartered to become main sponsors of the club - a partnership that has grown and extended to this very day.

He voted in favour for the sale of Liverpool from then-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to FSG during a messy and troubling time for the club. Ultimately the £300m takeover was complete and Purslow stepped down, later joining Chelsea.