FA Council ratifies Burns report

Lord Burns was asked to conduct the review at the end of 2004

The Football Association's 91-man Council has voted to adopt the Burns report in its entirety.

Lord Burns delivered the proposals last August, including a revamp of the FA Board and the appointment of an indendent council chairman.

"This is great news for the FA and for the whole of football," said FA chief executive Brian Barwick.

"It is vital for the reputation of the FA that we take these steps to modernise and lead the game properly."

The FA's shareholders - who represent participants in the sport - now have to vote on whether to ratify the report.

It's a significant move in the right direction for the health of the game in the future Sports Minister Richard Caborn

There had been doubts about whether the Council would vote in favour of the report, with some councillors thought to be particularly uneasy about the appointment of an independent chairman to replace Geoff Thompson in 2008.

There were fears that this person, who would ideally be an executive from a business background, would be inclined to side with the Premiership clubs.

The Football League, however, has welcomed the decision made by the FA Council to accept the set of recommendations.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said he was delighted at the news.

"It was critical that all of Burns' proposals were voted through; we are pleased they have been and hope the FA shareholders ratify FA Council's decision," he said.

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "After 12 months of discussions, I welcome, on behalf of The Football League, the FA Council's decision to approve Lord Burns' recommendations.

"It is a result that justifies the enormous amount of work that a lot of us have put in.

"These reforms provide a sensible way forward for football in this country by providing a workable balance between the interests of the games' various stakeholders.

"I now look forward to arguing the case for these changes, once again, at the next stage of the process in early 2007."

Sports Minister Richard Caborn told BBC Five Live he was happy at the news.

"It's a step in the right direction," he said.

"I think the new structure, along with a non-executive independent chairman is a significant move in the right direction for the health of the game in the future."

Key points of Burns' reform:

• Appointment of an independent chairman

• Creation of a new board

• Establishing a new regulation and compliance unit to carry out the enforcement functions of the FA

• Creation of two new subsidiaries - the Community Football Alliance and the Professional Football Alliance
Expanding the current FA Council into a 'Parliament of football' which will include players, managers, referees and supporters