FA loses another top official - Inside World Football

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 12 – Simon Freedman (pictured) has become the latest senior executive to leave the Football Association, quitting his role as head of marketing.

Freedman, a former Coca-Cola marketer, is to join telecoms company O2 as head of sponsorship, where he will manage the company’s arena, rugby and football sponsorships, including the Rugby Football Union and Arsenal.

He will also be head-up the O2’s activity across its music portfolio through its 12 O2 Academies spread across the country.

His announcement comes only a week after sponsor Nationwide revealed that they would not be renewing their 11-year sponsorship of the FA when their current deal expires at the end of this month.

Freedman’s departure follows the surprise decision of Ian Watmore to quit as FA chief executive in March and then Lord Triesman being forced to step down as chairman after he accused England’s 2018 World Cup rivals Spain and Russia of colluding to bribe referees during South Africa 2010.

Watmore has since been replaced by Alex Horne, who has taken up the new role as general secretary, while Roger Burden is operating as temporary chairman.

Stuart Turner had been promoted from head of broadcast in May to lead the commercial department, a position that had been vacant since September when Jonathan Hill left.

A spokesman for the FA said that a replacement had not yet been found for Freedman and, in the meantime, the new group director of marketing and communications Julian Eccles will lead the marketing team.

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