FA Chairman Greg Clarke resigns after referring to black players as "coloured"

In the wake of his remarks to MPs on Tuesday, Greg Clarke has stepped down as Chairman of the Football Association (FA).

English Football Association (FA) Chairman Greg Clarke. Photo: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

Before a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, Clarke was earlier forced to apologize after using the word "coloured" among other controversial comments.

“We can confirm that Greg Clarke has stepped down from his role as our chairman," the FA said.

“Peter McCormick will step into the role as interim FA chairman with immediate effect and the FA Board will begin the process of identifying and appointing a new chair in due course.”

Anti-discrimination outfit Kick It Out criticised Clarke after saying that Black and South Asian people had "different career interests" from each other as well as complaints for saying a coach had told him that the lack of women’s goalkeepers was due to girls not liking the ball being kicked at them.

The FA further stated: The FA added: “We would also like to reaffirm that as an organisation, we are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to promote diversity, address inequality, and tackle all forms of discrimination in the game.”

FA's statement on Greg Clarke's resignation ⬇

We would like to reaffirm that, as an organisation, we are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to promote diversity, address inequality and tackle all forms of discrimination in the game.

Full statement: https://t.co/CvzmGfV0en

— The FA (@FA) November 10, 2020

On FA's website, Clarke said in a statement: “As a person who loves football and has given decades of service to our game, it is right that I put the interests of football first.

“2020 has been a challenging year and I have been actively considering standing down for some time to make way for a new chair now our CEO transition is complete and excellent executive leadership under Mark Bullingham is established.

“My unacceptable words in front of Parliament were a disservice to our game and to those who watch, play, referee and administer it. This has crystallised my resolve to move on.

“I am deeply saddened that I have offended those diverse communities in football that I and others worked so hard to include.

“I would like to thank my friends and colleagues in the game for the wisdom and counsel they have shared over the years and resign from the FA with immediate effect.”