Mason had even been given the ultimate Google seal of approval, having recently turned down a $6bn offer from the search giant.
The FA's approval having been secured, half of the £400,000 Watford receive as victors will go to their beaten opponents.
He has lodged a request with the sport's governing body in England, the Football Association (FA), for formal approval, having changed the name of the club's holding company to Hull City Tigers in 2013.
The 31-year-old has been put forward on a shortlist of one to David Cameron and Nick Clegg for approval, having been vetted by an impartial civil service appointment process.
Now Patten's name sits with David Cameron for approval – having been put forward by Hunt – and insiders said on Friday afternoon that the prime minister's consent was expected to be a formality next week.
A spokesman for his department told Guardian Australia: "In accordance with national environment law, the minister may consider whether a company is suitable to be granted an approval having regard to their environmental history".
