Blazers turn on Dyke

THE deep split on the FA board between the amateur and professional game over governance reforms was evident at the FA Council meeting this week.

There was an exchange between FA chairman Greg Dyke and Roger Burden, who heads the four national game representatives opposed to the Council changes. Dyke told the Council the national game had not put forward any reform proposals, to which Burden countered: ‘That’s too ridiculous for words.’

The professional game are supporting Dyke’s plans but former leader Sir Dave Richards received loud applause for asking what was wrong with an organisation that had built the new Wembley and St George’s Park and had the highest of reputations around the world.

lCHANNEL

4 had serious doubts about broadcasting the Dubai World Cup on March 26 when Racecourse Media Group, agents for the Meydan course, were asking for a facility fee. But an agreement has been reached. THE England friendly in Manchester on May 22 is expected to be sandwiched between the FA Vase and FA Trophy finals at Wembley, with the international shown on the big screens. But it is not a great solution for what is supposed to be non-League football’s showcase day.

lPERHAPS

it is just as well that England’s rugby players are dispersing from the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, after training today for a weekend off with no Six Nations fixtures. A top model agency is holding its annual fashion party tonight at the Bodo’s Schloss nightclub next to the hotel.