After working in local football, he took on the twin roles of General Manager and Company Secretary of Doncaster Rovers, a club with a long history and deep-rooted support.

He was elected to The Council of The Football Association in 1979 and to its Executive Committee ten years later. Less than a decade later he was elected its Chairman.

His judicial background led him to chair countless disciplinary commissions where he earned a justifiable reputation for fairness and common sense. That reputation was further enhanced by his commitment to amateur, youth and women’s football.

As Chairman of The FA, he has been determined England should play a new and more visible role in the development of football across Europe and further afield. England’s International Development Programme, led by Geoff, is a recognition of its responsibilities to other nations.

His election as a UEFA Executive Member in 2000 was one of the proudest days of his life. Since then, as a Vice President of UEFA, he has dedicated himself to understanding the issues that affect all members of the European football family.

On 11 March 2008, Thompson stood down as Chairman of The FA with new Independent Chairman Lord Triesman taking over.