Meet the people set for key role in deciding Man City fate

Alison Brittain has kept a low profile since becoming the league's first female chair almost four years ago. Formerly a senior executive in the hospitality and financial services sectors, she is also chair and trustee of The King's Trust Group.

Described as "sensible" by one acquaintance, in September she spoke at a university alumni event, revealing that she was initially sceptical about joining the Premier League because she had never worked in sport.

Two senior club executives - the former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham (now at Spurs), and ex-Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow - told her that her skillset was what the league needed, helping to persuade her to apply.