June 9 – Debbie Hewitt is set to become the first female chair of the English Football Association in its 158-year-old history after being nominated to replace Greg Clarke.
The experienced businesswoman is set to take on the role in January, 14 months after Clarke resigned after making offensive comments on race, gender and sexuality at a parliamentary hearing.
Hewitt said in a statement she would “relish the opportunity to chair an organisation that has the potential to be a very positive force for good throughout the game and across society.”
“As the events in recent months have shown, this is a significant moment in time for English football, with a clear purpose for all stakeholders to secure the long-term health of the game at all levels.”
“I’ve been passionate about football from a very young age and I’m excited by the opportunity to play my part in shaping the future of something that means so much to so many.”
The FA said its ruling council will be asked to formally ratify Hewitt’s appointment at a July 22 meeting.
Hewitt will join an organisation which is considering bidding for the 2030 World Cup jointly with the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland but could face serious opposition from at least two other bids.
Awarded an MBE in 2011 for her services to business and the public sector, she was described as the “outstanding candidate” by Kate Tinsley, independent non-executive FA director and chair of the selection panel.
Tinsley added that Hewitt “immediately demonstrated her passion and ability to positively influence the direction of the FA”.
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