Sports Minister Hugh Robertson has praised David Bernstein’s work as Chairman of The Football Association.
Conservative MP Robertson has backed calls for footballers to have more respect for officials on the pitch and show better sportsmanship towards their fellow professionals.
His comments come in the wake of a meeting between Bernstein and PFA Chairman Clarke Carlisle at Wembley Stadium last week.
The pair discussed ways in which footballers can learn from the spirit and example set by the Team GB squad at the London Olympics.
And Robertson insists Bernstein and Carlisle’s plans to raise the level of behaviour on the pitch can succeed.
He said: “Sport can do anything if it sets its mind to it and gets the right leadership. David Bernstein is the best Chairman The FA have had for a very long time.
"Under his leadership, if they decide they want to do it, of course they can do it. Other sports have – there’s no reason why football shouldn’t.”
He added: “If London 2012 had an effect on that area and it said to football that actually the public like the standards they have seen during the Olympics, then that would be a positive legacy indeed.”