Big decisions along the way
Barry Bright is also leaving the Football Association board this summer but will continue his work at UEFA. One of four National Game directors and the leader of the FA Council, Mr Bright also serves on the association’s judicial panel, finance committee and is a National Sports Centre trustee. Mr Bright chaired the disciplinary commission which handed Rio Ferdinand an eight-month ban in 2003 for missing a drug test. He also ruled on high-profile cases involving Roy Keane, Alan Shearer and Frank de Boer and represents UEFA at Champions League and Europa League matches. Mr Bright said: “It’s a huge privilege. I’ve been, I’ve met, I’ve seen places and people that I’d have never had the opportunity in my life to ever discuss football with, meet and see. “I’ve been a delegate for UEFA for a long time, which means ensuring the organisation of the games is to a standard that is as high as they wish it to be. “From the early rounds of the Europa League, it can be the smaller clubs in Europe but then only six weeks ago, I did Bayern Munich versus Real Madrid the day after Borussia Dortmund. “UEFA have asked me whether I will train new delegates and mentor them, which I’m delighted to do. I will be taking that on board starting in August. “I will still be sitting on UEFA’s disciplinary and appeals body for another two years. “There’s been some great occasions in this country. The 150th anniversary of the FA and the president, Prince William, suggests playing a game of football for the two oldest clubs in the country in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. “I’d love to have heard what Prince Philip said. “When I talk of privilege, that’s the sort of occasion that probably won’t ever happen again. I have to pinch myself and say ‘I was there as vice-chairman of the FA’.”