Departing Manchester United chief executive David Gill is set to take a key role with UEFA.
The Daily Mail says Gill is eager to secure his election to the UEFA executive committee at May's London congress.
Gill, who started his campaign for the Euro post early, has discovered during meetings with a number of the 53-strong electorate that remaining as United CEO was a big issue. This was due to concerns Gill would not have time to combine both roles. Relinquishing his Old Trafford job - although staying on the board - dilutes the club v country conflict of interest too.
Gill's now likely elevation to UEFA's top table will make him the country's most influential football politician, when added to his FA vice-chairmanship and Premier League positions. Even a future tilt at the UEFA presidency cannot be ruled out.