The Football Association today publicly thanked its commercial partners for their support and continued commitment following last week's resignation of Chief Executive, Adam Crozier and yesterday's decision by FA Vice Chairman, Frank Pattison to also step down.

Speaking on TheFA.com, Geoff Thompson, The FA's Chairman, said: "The FA is fortunate to have a high calibre and extremely loyal group of commercial partners. The events of the past week have of course been very sad and unsettling for all of us. However, we must now focus on the future and a period of continuity and stability.

"Paul Barber, our Director of Marketing & Communications, has spoken to all of our partners several times since Thursday evening and has already started the process of meeting each one over the course of the next week to ensure that everyone is aware of our plans and actions following Adam's resignation.




"I am delighted to say that all of our commercial partners have assured us of their continued support and desire to work with The FA as part of its commercial programme, which is excellent news.

"On behalf of the Board, I wish to place on record my thanks to our broadcast partners, BSkyB, BBC and Octagon, as well as our sponsors Carlsberg, McDonald's, Nationwide and Umbro and The FA's various supplier partners and licensees for their support.

"I am also grateful for the support of the key partners in both of our key strategic projects - the National Stadium Project at Wembley and the National Football Centre in Burton. The FA Board has committed to both projects, which are important for the future of the game in this country.

"The executives leading each of these major projects, Michael Cunnah, Chief Executive, Wembley National Stadium Limited, and Michele Castle, The FA's Operations Director, who is leading the work at The National Football Centre, have similarly kept their key partners fully abreast of events in the past week.

"Finally, our recruitment for a new Chief Executive will begin following our Board meeting next week, when I will consult the Board on the process to be followed for this important appointment. The search for a new Technical Director to replace Howard Wilkinson will also be discussed at the Board meeting.

"In the meantime, The FA's existing executive management team will continue to look after The FA's day-to-day operations under the guidance and supervision of The FA's Board. This team has the full support and confidence of the Board and everyone within the team has acted extremely professionally following the decisions of both Adam and Frank to step down."