"On behalf of The FA Board, I would like to clarify the circumstances surrounding the new England players' pool arrangements.

"The matter of approval was discussed and debated at length at the September Board meeting, where a clear open vote was taken, recorded on tape and minuted.

"Only one member of the Board voted against the acceptance of the new players' pool deal and no representatives of the Premier League voted against it.

"The executive staff of The FA therefore have had full approval to proceed with and conclude their negotiations with the England players."