FA’s surprise role as Premier kingmakers
THe Fa leadership will have an unlikely say in the appointments of the new chief executive and chairman of the Premier League to succeed richard Scudamore.
It has been ages since the Fa had any influence over the top flight, with executive chairman Scudamore by far the most powerful figure in english football.
But Premier League statutes decree that the Fa must approve appointees to the two top jobs at the PL — even though the competition’s Fa prefix was dropped a decade ago.
It will be up to Fa chief executive martin Glenn and chairman Greg Clarke, rather than the full Fa board, to rule on the choices of a PL selection panel consisting of Chelsea’s Bruce Buck, Burnley’s mike Garlick, Susan Whelan of Leicester and the two PL independent directors.
Scudamore’s impending departure in December and the feelgood factor around the england team since the World Cup had already given the Fa a heaven-sent opportunity to reassert their authority as english football’s ruling body. CHATTY
first-name handovers between presenters and reporters have become de rigueur on radio, but they have been conspicuously absent when talkSPORT’s new Kick Off presenter Natalie Sawyer (right) links with the station’s lead football commentator Sam Matterface. No pleasantries are exchanged, which is hardly surprising after their acrimonious marriage break-up. THere is so much unease at the rFU since 56 employees were made redundant that the management board are going on a tour to reassure the grass- roots of the game that all is well at Twickenham.
meanwhile, it’s remarkable that the rFU have such faith in the prawn sandwich brigade that they have made yet more room for £1,000-plus hospitality packages for the sell- out autumn international against the all Blacks when england have lost five of their last six matches. SKY
SPORTS pundit Sir Ian Botham, who rarely showed pain throughout his playing career or during his marathon charity walks, was struggling with a back injury at the Ageas Bowl during the fourth Test against India. It limited his movement around the ground and might require surgery. Botham hurt his back after slipping on a rock while salmon fishing.