The Chief Executive Officer of the Football Association in England, Mark Bullingham, has revealed that plans are on the way to elect a new chairman for the association in March 2021.
Peter McCormick became the interim chairman of the FA after Greg Clarke resigned as the chairman of the association on Tuesday, November 10, hours after he used the term “high-profile colored footballers” while referring to Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) footballers.
Though Greg Clarke apologized for his racially motivated comment, he has continued to receive a series of bashing from critics across the world even after stepping down as the FA chairman.
On the other hand, those who have been advocating for more representation of BAME in places of authority especially within the football circle, have seized the opportunity to advocate for the appointment of a black man or woman as the new FA Chairman.
One of those who has publicly advocated for that is Aston Villa defender and England international Tyrone Mings who was involved in the creation of the Diversity Code which has been advocating for equal opportunity for all. Mings says he doesn’t mind seeing a black man or woman as the FA chairman but urged that everyone should be given an equal opportunity.
In what looks like a reaction to Mings’ comment, Mark Bullingham issued a statement noting that his administration in partnership with the interim chairman of the FA would carry out an open and diverse recruitment process.
He went on to also note that the comment of the former FA Chairman did not represent the views of the FA, adding that the association would continue to fight against all forms of discrimination.
He said: “With other board directors, (interim chairman) Peter (McCormick) and I are finalizing the process for recruiting a new independent chair of the FA”.
“We aim to have one in place by the end of the first quarter. Our process will be open and conform to the Diversity Code, ensuring that we can select the best candidate from a diverse talent pool.
“Greg Clarke stepped down from the role as FA chairman yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, acknowledging that some of his words in the Select Committee hearing were unacceptable and offensive.
“We respect his decision and are clear that his words simply do not reflect the views of the FA, our people, and the organization we are today.
“We are committed to playing a lead role in actively enhancing equality and diversity across English football, whilst steadfastly challenging and tackling all forms of discrimination.”
