17 Nov 2009Dein 'could be next Football League chairman'

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

David Dein could be set for a high-profile return by becoming the new chairman of the Football League, it has been claimed.

According to a report in the People, the former Arsenal vice-chairman is being lined up to replace Lord Mawhinney, who recently announced his intention to step down in March 2010.

The newspaper states that Dein's reputation as a dynamic and well-connected individual has attracted Football League head-hunters.

However, the 66-year-old is also a controversial figure, having attracted criticism for alleged conflicts of interest during his time at Arsenal, when he also held a senior position at the FA.

It emerged last week that Dein has been drafted in by Lord Triesman to boost England's bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Although the exact details of the role are not yet known, the Times reported that he will become a "roving diplomat", promoting the bid to key football figures around the world.

Dein left Arsenal in April 2007 and sold his entire shareholding, which amounted to just under 15 per cent, to Alisher Usmanov for £75 million.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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