It is totally inaccurate to suggest that The FA does not properly invest in grassroots football.

The FA currently invests over £38 million each year into developing the grassroots game. That commitment will rise to more than £200 million over the next four years.

For example, we channel £15 million a year of funding into the Football Foundation, matched by the Premier League and the government. The Foundation is dedicated to building pitches and improving facilities at clubs, and to date has developed over 4,600 projects worth over £600 million.

Football in Bedfordshire alone has benefited from over £5.2 million in facility funding since 2003.

We also invest £5 million a year to fund development staff at County FAs, which will rise to £10 million per year with the introduction of specialised Referee Development and Child Welfare Officers.

On top we run a huge variety of programmes including coaching courses, various FA competitions and the FA Charter Standard quality scheme for clubs and schools.

Supporting the grassroots game and its clubs is one of The FA's top priorities.