When it comes to naming the inaugural chair of the government’s Independent Football Regulator, it is safe to say the name Christian Purslow is a surprise contender. And yet, according to media reports, it is understood that Purslow, who has held top jobs at Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa, is on a shortlist of just two or three to be exactly that.

For those who have had dealings with Purslow it is hard to imagine a worse choice for such a role. For those who have worked tirelessly to bring the Football Governance Bill and a true IFR to this stage it makes a mockery of their efforts.

As managing director at LFC, under Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Purslow tried to ingratiate himself with the newly formed Spirit of Shankly, and when we refused to redact his anti-ownership rhetoric from minutes of a meeting, media reports suggested a dossier was compiled by a communications officer smearing high-profile, campaigning fans and journalists, calling them the “sporting version of the Khmer Rouge”.

He later joined Chelsea and their commercial team, before a foray as Villa CEO that saw him alienate a part of the fanbase who saw his hiring of Steven Gerrard as manager a ‘vanity project’. As did other actions, reported one Villa site, such as “season ticket price rises, Conservative party members playing on the Villa Park pitch at the expense of paid-for fan tours”.

When he left the club in October 2022, Stan Collymore posted on social media: “Genuinely looking forward to a new CEO who isn’t on TV every 30 seconds.”

Never one to shirk the limelight, Purslow was filmed in the Villa end at Stamford Bridge cheering on Unai Emery’s side. Strange behaviour for a man who on his arrival at Anfield was a Liverpool supporter.

When the idea of a regulatory watchdog for football was first mooted following the Super League fiasco and the fan-led review of football governance, Purslow voiced little support for the idea at all, telling the BBC’s Today programme: “My concern is whether the start point for this is really conflating the issue of the Burys of this world with the Super League; that perhaps it’s gone a little bit far.

“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.”

It’s a strange angle to take for a prospective IFR, entrusted with looking after our game.

Purslow, 2021:

“Do we need an independent regulator? Probably not.”https://t.co/oRcCjYxHho

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) March 1, 2025

SOS fervently support plans for an IFR. We have experienced first hand the need for change in the game, sound financial ownership and governance, and a commitment to genuine fan engagement. It should be led by those with a genuine commitment and track record in delivering on its aims and recognising the importance of working with and for football and football supporters.

Purslow’s name should not be anywhere near it.