The 67-year-old says he has been unofficially approached to see if he would be willing to stand for election as FA chairman, if Keith Wiseman gives up or is forced out of the post.

Wiseman is expected to face a vote of no confidence when the FA Council meets next Monday.

He has been under severe pressure following the resignation of chief executive Graham Kelly in the wake of controversy over a £3m grant to the Football Association of Wales.

"I was approached to see if I would stand. I said I'd consider being chairman for 18 to 24 months to push through the changes the FA require," said Bates.

"The council is top-heavy and getting older. The entire pro game - the Premier League and Football League - is outnumbered by those from the Armed Forces, universities, schools and foreign representatives.

"What we need with the new chairman is someone who has a strong chief executive who is responsible to him."

Bates has transformed Chelsea since his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, establishing the Chelsea Village complex which also includes a hotel and restaraunts.