MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

A woman becomes the first female chair of the English Football Association

Businesswoman Debbie Hewitt is to become the English Football Association's first female chair in its 157-year history. She was the unanimous choice of the selection panel and takes over in January, subject to ratification from the FA Council.

She hinted at the Super League debacle in a statement accepting the role.

“As the events in recent months have shown, this is a significant moment in time for English football, with a clear purpose for all stakeholders to secure the long-term health of the game at all levels,” she said.

“I've been passionate about football from a very young age and I'm excited by the opportunity to play my part in shaping the future of something that means so much to so many.”

The role became available when Greg Clarke resigned in November after making offensive remarks, including saying a coach had told him young female players did not like having the ball hit hard at them.

Prominent Black players in England had said they would like to see an ethnic minority chair.