February 8 – English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has threatened to quit if the government does not support his proposed reforms of the organisation.
Clarke set out his position in a 700-word open letter released in advance of Thursday’s eagerly awaited debate on a motion of no confidence in the way the country’s footballing governing body is run.
However, Clarke, who has only been in the post for five months and is ironically far more modern-minded than his recent predecessors, has strongly denied the FA, accused of being run by blazered traditionalists resistant to change, is failing the national game.
“Our governance needs changing. We do need to be more diverse, more open about decision-making and we do need to better represent those playing the game,” Clarke wrote.
“But we are not sitting idly by. The FA has a set of proposals to improve our governance which we will ratify and then take to the minister of sport in order to get her approval. Change won’t be easy but I am confident it will happen – and it will be substantial.
“Delivering real change is my responsibility and I firmly believe this is critical for the future of the game. If the government is not supportive of the changes when they are presented in the coming months, I will take personal responsibility for that. I will have failed. I will be accountable for that failure and would in due course step down from my role.”
“I strongly dispute the motion put in front of Parliament that the FA is not meeting its duties as a governing body. I do hope those attending on Thursday make themselves aware of the FA’s duties and the great work we are actually doing.”
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