Investigation leads FA bigwig to retire

A FORMER FA vice-chairman has retired from all his football positions after female staff alleged he was guilty of inappropriate conduct.

Barry Bright, a leading FA figure for more than two decades — he was chairman of the disciplinary committee — informed colleagues via email about the allegations and that he was leaving the governing body.

The FA have launched an investigation into the complaints, which included female employees saying they were ‘uncomfortable’ with Bright’s comments, with the main grievance occurring two years ago.

But Bright, who said he was ‘devastated’, has chosen not to wait until the outcome of the inquiry, preferring to sever his links with football.

Aged 70, he had retired from his position on the board last June, as well as his leadership of the FA council. He stood down after 34 years as chairman of the Kent FA at the same time.

But Bright remained a hugely influential backbench figure with his experience of FA business, his life vice-presidency status and a reputation for hard work. Chairman Greg Clarke confirmed Bright’s departure in an email sent to all FA councillors, making it clear that his retirement would not stop the investigation.

An FA spokeswoman said: ‘We cannot comment as this is an ongoing investigation.’