Five former FA Chiefs have called on the government to change the structure within the governing body ofthe English game, and have criticised the organisation as being "out of balance" and dominatedby "elderly, white men", who are"collectively unrepresentative of English society".
David Bernstein, David Davies, Greg Dyke, Alex Horne and David Triesman (all of whom arewhite and not young) wrote a letterto the government's Culture Media and Sport Committeeto ask for newlegislation to help reform the organisation, as well asredressing its lack of diversity andbalance.
The letter also criticised the FA's inability to move with the times and it's lack of accountability.
In the letter, quoted in theStandard, the group wrote:"Football is a much-loved sport enjoyed by millions, and it has genuine cultural significance in the country which first codified what is now a global sport.
"A focused intervention can undoubtedly build on these attributes, as has been recognised in many past inquiries and reports. It would give millions of players and fans confidence they will no longer be marginal to the future of their sport."
"It may well move us to redressing the woeful lack of English players or managers and the embarrassing failures of our national team for the past 50 years."
In his responseto the letter, Damien Collins (Chairman of theCulture Media and Sport committee)said heshared concerns about theFA's inability to self-reform and revealed that he ispreparing draft legislation, as well as a parliamentarydebatecalling for a vote of no confidence in the FA.
"We cannot afford to wait any longer." Collins said.