Ministers to launch new search for £130,000-a-year football referee | money news

The government will begin a new search for a chair of the new football watchdog later this week after curtailing an earlier hunt when the legislation needed to establish it was blocked by the general election.

Sky News has learned the post will be re-advertised on Friday after attracting interest from candidates including Ed Balls, the former shadow chancellor and ex-chairman of Norwich City Football Club.

The role, which will be based at the Independent Football Regulator’s new headquarters in Manchester, will require a three-day-a-week commitment, according to officials.

News of the research comes on the day the Football Governance Bill is introduced to the House of Lords, paving the way for the most fundamental overhaul of English football oversight in the history of the game.

The Labor administration has abandoned an earlier stipulation that the regulator should take into account British foreign and trade policy when determining the suitability of a new club owner.

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The IFR will monitor clubs’ adherence to rules requiring them to listen to fans’ views on matters such as ticket prices, while it can also monitor parachute payments made to clubs in the years following their relegation the Premier League.

The top flight issued a statement expressing reservations about the regulator’s powers, while the English Football League widely welcomed it.

A chairman and chief executive are expected to be appointed in the new year.

The creation of the IFR will come with the Premier League embroiled in a civil war over Manchester City’s legal battles over allegations it breached financial property rules.

A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport declined to comment, while Mr. Balls has been contacted for comment.