By Andrew Warshaw
December 30 – The English Football Association, often criticised for being ultra-conservative and behind the times, has broken new ground by appointing Heather Rabbatts as its first female Board member.
Rabbatts, the executive deputy chair at the English Championship club Millwall, joins as non-executive director along with Roger Devlin who has vast experience as a financial advisor.
“This represents a significant change to our governance structures,” said the FA chairman, David Bernstein.
“This is an important moment and I am naturally delighted by the decision of the board to endorse the appointments of both Heather and Roger.
The Jamaican-born Rabbatts, who was awarded a CBE in the 2000 New Year Honours list, has more than 20 years of experience in executive positions across both the public and private sector.
“I am obviously delighted to be joining the board at the FA and working with colleagues to support the future of football in England,” said Rabbatts.
“Having worked across media, business and football, I hope to bring those experiences to my work at the FA.”
The two appointments take the number of FA Board members to 14, though some reports said they came at the expense of the former Chelsea and Celtic defender Paul Elliott, meaning the board is bereft of anyone with credible playing experience.
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