Glenn quits after Wembley fiasco

MARTIN GLENN will step down as FA chief executive at the end of the season – the news coming just two months after the collapse of the controversial proposed £600million sale of Wembley.

The breakdown of the sale of the national stadium to Fulham owner Shahid Khan, which Glenn had supported, seems to have been the catalyst for his exit, which will come much earlier than expected.

Glenn, left, had hoped to release the funds to improve grassroots facilities but, although the board of the governing body approved the sale, he was embarrassingly defied by council members.

The 57-year-old, in charge for a bumpy four years, said: “When I accepted the role, I was tasked with improving the effectiveness of the organisation and making it financially secure.

“I joined with the strong belief the England team’s performance in tournaments could, and should, improve. I will leave feeling proud of the success of the performance

of all the England teams. Running the FA has been a huge honour and a privilege.”

During his reign, revenue went up by 40 per cent, allowing the FA to invest a record £127m into the game in 2016 and 2017. He also helped introduce the winter break that will launch next season.

Glenn oversaw success on the field with the senior men’s and women’s teams reaching World Cup semi-finals, and the men’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams winning World Cups. Off the field, though, Glenn had to deal with controversy over former England women’s manager Mark Sampson, below, who was cleared of accusations of bullying, racist and discriminatory behaviour but later sacked.

Glenn, questioned by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, denied asking striker Eni Aluko to put out a statement saying the FA were not institutionally racist. The appointment of Sam Allardyce as England coach turned into a farce as he lasted one game, and this year Glenn was forced to apologise after comparing the Star of David with symbols like the Nazi swastika.

RAUL JIMENEZ will keep Wolves waiting until the summer before committing to a £30million switch.

Mexico striker Jimenez, right, has shone on loan from Benfica with four goals and four assists this term for Wanderers and the club want to sign him permanently either next month or at the end of the season.

Jimenez said: “It’s too early.

At the end of the season we’ll see what happens.”