However, Findel today (29 July 2016) said: "The board remains of the view that there is merit in a commercial supply agreement with Sports Direct, but Sports Direct is unwilling to take this forward until the role of Mike Ashley on the Findel board is clarified. " Greater Manchester home shopping group Findel has decided not to appoint Sports Direct chairman Mike Ashley as chairman , but said discussions surrounding the controversial man 's role on the board are " ongoing . " Plans are underway to appoint an independent executive chairman . Earlier this month , Ashley was in talks with Sports Direct for a " commercial supply arrangement . " Findel has confirmed there is still merit in the proposal , but said in a statement that " Sports Direct is unwilling to take this forward until the role of Mike Ashley ... is clarified . "
Greater Manchester home shopping group Findel has decided not to appoint Sports Direct chairman Mike Ashley as chairman , but said discussions surrounding the controversial man 's role on the board are " ongoing . " Plans are underway to appoint an independent executive chairman . Earlier this month , Ashley was in talks with Sports Direct for a " commercial supply arrangement . " Findel has confirmed there is still merit in the proposal , but said in a statement that " Sports Direct is unwilling to take this forward until the role of Mike Ashley ... is clarified . "