England, Europe, Qatar and South America have all been on the agenda of late.

In September, The Chairman led the first-ever FA delegation to South America.

It was a historic visit aimed at increasing co-operation between the English FA and the 'continent of World Cup winners'. Mr Thomspon travelled to the event in Paraguay 'with a certain humility' given the reputation and success of its football.

The Chairman opened his address with the words: "We are the home of football, but you are the home of World Cup winners. Ultimately, however, it is the exchanging of ideas, and the opportunity to discuss and debate possible improvements in running the game of football which is fundamental to its survival".

The Chairman was also decorated with the Order of Merit of South American Football for his services to football in that continent. One of only four Europeans ever to be bestowed with the honour, following, amongst others, Lennart Johnansson.

Back in Europe, Thompson has been equally influential. He has been entrusted with a key role in looking after the infrastructure of European football having been appointed Vice Chairman of UEFA's Hat-Trick board, a financing body for new football projects.

And, at the request of The Football League, The Chairman was also able to obtain special dispensation to allow the League Cup Quarter Finals to be played on a European date which will not involve English clubs. The unique compromise will mean that Carling Cup and UEFA Cup matches can be played simultaneously while not clashing. The move has been greeted with gratitude by The Football League.

The Chairman was also in Istanbul to see England seal qualification for EURO 2004.

And he believes the victory achieved off the pitch was as significant as the point won on it.

"Lets look at what we have done since Sunderland," he says referring back to the previous time that England had met Turkey.

"We have put leaflets on every seat, the coach and captain have both put out clear messages both to our own website and the media in general, and we have received significant support from the government and police.

"And look what's happened. When playing the national anthems in our home games, for the first time in many years, both national anthems have been received very graciously. We've proved it can be done.

"We must praise the fans for that and aim to replicate those levels of behaviour in Portugal."