Formula One would consider handing Richard Scudamore a route back into top-level sport if he is sacked as Premier League chief executive - by appointing him Bernie Ecclestone's replacement.
CVC, the private equity firm that own F1, are watching today's Premier League audit and remuneration committee, which could decide whether Scudamore loses his job over 'sexist' remarks he made in private emails, with close interest. A source within CVC said: "TV rights deals are F1's lifeblood. That is what Bernie has been brilliant at. That is what Richard Scudamore is brilliant at. If we can't have Bernie, we need someone like Scudamore.
"We have never thought he would be available, but if he is that would be worth very serious consideration indeed."
Ecclestone's position at the head of F1 is vulnerable because he is fighting a bribery case in Germany, having been described as an unreliable witness in a previous civil court case in London. He is also 83.
Should Ecclestone be found guilty in Germany, he will be sacked immediately as F1 chief executive, according to CVC chairman Donald Mackenzie. Who can replace Ecclestone is the conundrum Mackenzie has been pondering for several months. Heather Rabbatts, an outspoken member of the FA board, has called on Scudamore to consider his position, citing "growing evidence of a closed culture of sexism in football".
