October 22 – English Football Association general secretary Alex Horne, who has done much to try and improve relations between his federation and the game’s governing bodies, is to leave the organisation in January after serving in a variety of different roles for 11 years.
Horne, who has watched a series of colleagues come and go in an often turbulent era off the field for English football, was a member of the UEFA competitions committee that drew up plans for the pan-continental Euro 2020 and played a key role in lobbying for support for England’s successful bid to host the semifinals and finals of the tournament following two failed World Cup bids.
“It’s been a privilege to have played my part in the financing, build and opening of (the new) Wembley Stadium and the national football centre at St George’s Park, both of which will provide a huge benefit for the game,” said Horne.
“This is probably the toughest decision I have made during my career. At the age of 42, the time is right for me to look for a change of direction,” added Horne, who became FA general secretary four years ago and whose diplomatic skills in dealings with FIFA and UEFA will be hard to replace.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734850652labto1734850652ofdlr1734850652owedi1734850652sni@w1734850652ahsra1734850652w.wer1734850652dna1734850652