FA retain control of England team

August 19 – The Football Association will continue to have overall ultimate responsibility on major issues concerning the national team after confirmation of the role of Club England was discussed at a Board meeting today.

Club England was put in place by former chief executive Ian Watmore to establish a single division to be responsible for all issues regarding the national teams, setting objectives to deliver success.

The FA’s former director of communications Adrian Bevington was appointed managing director, with Sir Dave Richards becoming chairman after Lord Triesman resigned his position at the governing body in May.

The handling of Fabio Capello’s new contract on the eve of the World Cup and the decision to retain the Italian following the disappointing display in South Africa have increased the attention on the remit of Club England and the position of the FA board in relation to national-team matters.

While managers continue to report initially to the board of Club England, which overseas all operational issues, it has been made clear the FA Board continues to hold the overall responsibility for major decisions, as it does throughout the organisation.

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