David Bernstein, the former chairman of Manchester City, has been named as the new chairman of the English Football Association (FA).
Bernstein, 67, chairman of Wembley Stadium Limited since 2008, succeeded David Triesman who resigned this year.
“I’m honoured to be asked it is a tremendous challenge,” he said in a statement.
Bernstein will take over as chairman when his appointment has been endorsed by the FA council on Jan. 25.
Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, the international president of England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid, had been widely considered to be the favourite to get the job.
Bernstein was recommended to the board by a nominations committee headed by Phil Gartside, the chairman of Bolton Wanderers.
“David was the outstanding candidate for the role. He combines strong business and leadership skills with tremendous insight and knowledge of football,” Gartside said.