Barclays director Chris Pilling‎ surprise candidate to become new FA chief

Barclays director Chris Piling is one of the final candidates in the race to take over as chief executive of the Football Association, according to Sky News.

Piling is a leading contender to replace Martin Glenn at the FA but faces competition from Mark Bullingham, the current chief commercial and football development officer at the governing body, who is also on their shortlist.

It is not known if there are any other candidates still involved, but a decision is expected to be made when Glenn steps down at the end of the season.

The process is being overseen by FA chairman Greg Clarke.

Piling previously stepped down from his job as chief executive at Yorkshire Building Society just over two years ago and has built a portfolio of non-executive roles since.

He has emerged as a surprise candidate for one of British sports top jobs.

He is also on the board at Irish food retailer and wholesaler, Musgrave Group, as well as Yorkshire 2019 – which is organising this year’s world cycling championship, but would likely have to give up some of his other roles to take this one on.

He has also had spells with First Direct, Asda and British Airways among others.

But Bullingham, who previously headed up a sports marketing agency, is highly thought of as having done a good job since arriving at the FA three years ago.

The FA declined to comment.