FA referees to be ‘reset’

THE FA’s referees department will embark on a ‘cultural reset’ following an investigation into the conduct of their chair, David Elleray.

Elleray will face no further action after a probe was launched into action taken following allegedly racial comments in 2014.

However, the Football Association have said they would incorporate several recommendations made by the external investigator. The Telegraph has reported that this will amount to a cultural reset within the FA’s refereeing department.

In December, the FA commissioned the solicitor Leigh Barnett, of the legal firm Parker Bullen, to examine whether correct protocol was followed at the time. Barnett also examined fresh allegations relating to Elleray, who is stepping down from the FA at the end of this season after 20 years on their council. The report concluded that the 2014 review was ‘compliant with FA policy’ and that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims.

However, an FA statement added: ‘The report makes several recommendations which will be incorporated into the work under way to develop the FA’s next three-year refereeing strategy.

‘[It] is set to develop a clear plan to improve the refereeing environment and culture, create better opportunities for underrepresented groups and improve standards.’