England

Football Association criticised for "continuing major failings"

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 04 October 2016

FA chairman Greg Clarke will give evidence in front of MPs after the organisation was criticised for "continuing major failings" in its governance of the sport.

The Culture, Media and Sport select committee has criticised the Football Association for "continuing major failings" in its governing of the sport.

An undercover investigation by The Telegraph has exposed alleged corruption at the highest level of the sport, including a secret filming of former England boss Sam Allardyce offering advice on how to "get around" FA rules on third-party ownership of players.

FA chairman Greg Clarke and director of governance and regulation Darren Bailey have now been summoned to give evidence in front of MPs over the furore.

"Recent events have highlighted the continuing major failings in the current system of football governance in the UK, as well as internationally. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has repeatedly urged the football authorities to improve self-governance," read a statement from the select committee.

"Although the committee's recommendations have been backed by successive sports ministers and progress has been promised by the FA, in practice very little has changed: the governance of football is cumbersome, and power lies with the clubs, especially in the Premier League.

"Real reform in relation to the ownership of clubs, transfers of players, the influence of fans, the role of agents and investment in the grassroots - amongst other issues - has stalled."

Clarke and Bailey will appear in front of MPs on October 17 at 11am.