FA Council ratifies Burns report

2006-10-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Football Association's 91-man Council has voted to adopt the Burns report in its entirety.

Marks & Spencer chairman Lord Burns delivered the proposals last August in the wake of the Faria Alam affair.

He suggested a revamp of the FA Board, Council and disciplinary procedures, and appointing an independent chairman with voting powers on the Board.

The FA's shareholders - who represent participants in the sport - now have to vote on whether to ratify the report.

Sports minister Richard Caborn had made it clear he was determined for the report to be implemented.

The Government could even withdraw funding for grassroots football if the most important parts of the report are not put into practise.

There had been doubts about whether the Council would vote in favour of the report.

Many councillors were believed to be particularly uneasy about the appointment of an independent chairman to replace Geoff Thompson in 2008.

There were fears that this person, who would ideally be an executive from a business background, would be inclined to side with the Premiership clubs.

Key points of Burns' reform:

Appointment of an independent chairman

Creation of a new board

Establishing a new regulation and compliance unit to carry out the enforcement functions of the FA

Creation of two new subsidiaries - the Community Football Alliance and the Professional Football Alliance

Expanding the current FA Council into a 'Parliament of football' which will include players, managers, referees and supporters

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2005-12-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

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FA Council ratifies Burns report

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