The FA welcomes the Independent Football Commission's 2008 Annual Report.

We will consider all the recommendations carefully and respond in due course, but we note the praise offered for many areas of The FA’s work such as finance and governance, equal opportunities and child protection.

As this is the final IFC Annual Report The FA would also like to thank all the Commissioners and staff of the Independent Football Commission for their work in recent years. Theirs has been a valuable contribution to the game and The FA looks forward to working with the new Independent Football Ombudsman.

FA Chairman Lord Triesman said: “The IFC has again recognised the progress that English football is making in many areas, while rightly pointing out that there is still much to do.

"As The FA itself continues to change and adapt to the challenges in the game, we feel that the time is right to focus a new, Independent Football Ombudsman on the concerns of individual supporters.”