Government to get tough with the FA?

The English Football Association has been heavily criticised by the government for failing to implement promised reforms.

The BBC have revealed that Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has written to the heads of the FA, Premier League and Football League, questioning their ability to work together.

Disappointment

In the letter, Mr Sutcliffe expresses disappointment at the FA’s apparent lack of development in crucial areas of the national game.

The FA has said this response poses “important challenges to the game”.

Back in 2005 Lord Burns was asked to conduct a thorough review of the English FA with the aim of making it a stronger and more transparent organisation.

It is believed that Mr Sutcliffe is unhappy with the FA’s failure to implement the recommendations of that report. In particular the letter highlights shortcomings in advancing the women’s game, planning for youth development, leadership and coaching standards.

Praise

Whilst the tougher new rules on financial stability and home-grown player quotas receive some praise, nothing else does.

In an interview on the BBC Mr Sutcliffe admitted that he would reluctantly consider withdrawing the Government’s £25m investment in grassroots football if the FA fails to address its concerns.

In a slightly contradictory manner Mr Sutcliffe did go on to describe English football as ‘a success story’.

The Sports Minister said that doing so would be absolutely a last resort and he is going to wait for the FA’s response before deciding what action to take.

Whilst the rest of the world sees a vibrant Premier League and all the associated success, many people in England will sympathise with Mr Sutcliffe’s views and agree that so much needs to be done at the grassroots level to ensure that we continue to enjoy the game we all love.

It will be interesting to see how the football authorities respond.