Greg Clarke nominated to be The FA's new Chairman

Friday 22 Jul 2016
Greg Clarke (courtesy of PA Images)
The FA Board has nominated Greg Clarke to be the new Chairman of The Football Association.

Clarke was recommended by the Nominations Committee, which was chaired by independent director Roger Devlin and also included acting Chairman David Gill and leader of the Council, Barry Bright. 

This nomination was approved unanimously by the Board and the FA Council will be asked to endorse this appointment at a special meeting to be held on 24 August 2016.

Devlin said: “The Board was in full agreement that Greg was the right appointment to become the new Chairman of The FA, particularly with respect to his successful tenure as Chairman of the Football League. 

About Greg Clarke

Greg Clarke has a wealth of football experience, having spent the past six years as chairman of the Football League before stepping down this summer. Part of this role included serving on the FA Council. Prior to joining the Football League, he was on the Board and then Chairman of Leicester City – working alongside FA CEO Martin Glenn in that time. During a distinguished business career, he was CEO of Cable & Wireless and sat on the board of Bupa. For the past four years, he has been chairman of the Met Office and he is also chairman of FTSE 250 company Redefine International.

"He has the relevant experience and strong credentials to help the organisation and can play a key role in bringing all parts of the English game closer together.

“I am sure Greg will rise to the challenge and make a positive impact at all levels of the game, including the significant investment being made in the grassroots, the work being done across the elite England teams and the day to day operations at our St. George’s Park and Wembley homes.”

Clarke said: “It is an honour for me to be put forward as the next Chairman of The FA and I am very grateful for the Board’s support. 

"This is a very important moment for English football and I hope to play my part in building on the progress seen in many key areas in recent times. 

"I know all about the challenges we face and I am confident we are on a sound footing. I have a strong sense of purpose about what needs to happen next.

“Whether supporting the England teams or promoting the grassroots game, I know there are great people at The FA who are working diligently and professionally. 

"Subject to ratification, I hope I can bring my experience to bear on our wider work and I am particularly looking forward to working alongside Martin Glenn and his management team in the coming months and years.”

The Chairman position became vacant after Greg Dyke brought to an end his three years in the post on Thursday. 

The FA Council gathered for its annual summer meeting at Wembley today [Friday 22 July] but the date has come too soon for members to be able to ratify the new Chairman. 

The Board has therefore appointed David Gill as acting Chairman until Council meet on 24 August.

By FA Staff