The FA Council today approved Lord (David) Triesman as The FA’s first independent Chairman.A timetable will now be finalised for when he takes over his new post, succeeding Geoff Thompson.
Lord Triesman
was unanimously recommended by The FA Board at its meeting on 19 December 2007. A keen football fan and former grassroots player, coach and referee, he has been a Government Minister since 2004, initially as a Government Whip, then at the Foreign Office and latterly at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
He said: “It is an exceptional honour to be elected as Chairman of The FA. Having the trust of the people who lead English football gives me an opportunity to develop the game in England at all levels and ensure its future success.
"I am greatly looking forward to combining my deep love of the game with the experience and knowledge I have gained in other areas of professional life.”
FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick said: “I am greatly looking forward to working alongside Lord Triesman as we move into a very exciting time for The FA.
"His experience on politics, business and sport, allied with his knowledge and passion for the game will be of enormous value to the organisation.
“The introduction of an independent chairman is a cornerstone of The FA’s new structure and will greatly help our decision-making processes.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Geoff Thompson and the contribution he has made to The FA as Chairman over the last nine years.”
Geoff Thompson said: “I would like to congratulate Lord Triesman and I wish him every success when he takes on the role. We will now work out a timetable for a smooth handover.”