Greg Clarke is poised to become the new chairman of the Football Association (FA) after being nominated for the position by the organisation's board.
The FA has announced that the former Football League chairman's nomination has been unanimously approved and its council will now be asked to endorse the appointment at a special meeting on Aug. 24.
If ratified, Clarke will be the permanent successor to Greg Dyke, who stepped down after three years in charge on Thursday. David Gill, the former Manchester United chief executive, will serve as acting chairman until an appointment is formally confirmed.
Roger Devlin, an independent director who sat on the nominations committee along with Gill and leader of the council Barry Bright, said: "The board was in full agreement that Greg was the right appointment to become the new chairman of the FA, particularly with respect to his successful tenure as chairman of the Football League.
"He has the relevant experience and strong credentials to help the organisation and can play a key role in bringing all parts of the English game closer together.
"I am sure Greg will rise to the challenge and make a positive impact at all levels of the game, including the significant investment being made in the grassroots, the work being done across the elite England teams and the day-to-day operations at our St George's Park and Wembley homes."
Greg Clarke nominated to be The Football Association's new Chairman https://t.co/40MqSylfVi pic.twitter.com/uyjiapGDx6
- The FA (@FA) July 22, 2016
Clarke spent six years at the Football League helm before stepping down this summer. He previously served as chairman at Leicester, where he worked alongside current FA chief executive Martin Glenn.
He also boasts a distinguished business career having held senior roles at Cable & Wireless, Bupa, the Met Office and FTSE 250 company Redefine International.
The news comes at a time when the FA is also believed to be close to appointing a new England manager.
Clarke said: "It is an honour for me to be put forward as the next chairman of the FA and I am very grateful for the board's support.
"This is a very important moment for English football and I hope to play my part in building on the progress seen in many key areas in recent times.
"I know all about the challenges we face and I am confident we are on a sound footing. I have a strong sense of purpose about what needs to happen next."