The former chairman of the Football Association is to head up the press watchdog’s appointments panel.

Lord Triesman has been unveiled as the new chair of the panel by the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

The Labour Peer, a former Foreign Office and Higher Education minister, chaired the FA between 2008 and 2010.

He takes over on IPSO’s independent panel from Sir Hayden Phillips, the inaugural chair, whose term concludes on 7 September.

Lord Triesman, pictured, said: “A well-regulated press has never been more important than it is now.

“Following the practices exposed by Lord Justice Leveson, I have watched as IPSO has established a solid and growing reputation as a fair and independent regulator of the press.

“I very much look forward to playing a part in its future.”

IPSO chairman Lord Edward Faulks added: “I would like to thank the departing Chair Sir Hayden Phillips for his excellent work.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Lord Triesman, who brings with him a wealth of experience from politics, academia, and the regulation of football.

“He has long been interested in press regulation, and in chairing our appointments panel, he will help ensure the future independence of IPSO.”