Greg Clark has resigned as FIFA vice-president, two days after stepping down as chairman of the Football Association following a series of offensive comments during talks with the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. After
The 63-year-old was speaking via video link to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday to defend his role in Project Big Picture, and was discussing diversity when he made a number of offensive comments.
Clarke was speaking to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee / GLYN KIRK/Getty Images.
Clarke used the term ‘coloured’ to describe black, Asian and ethnic minority footballers, suggested that being gay was a ‘life choice’, said that young female footballers did not like that they But the ball is hit too hard and explained that ‘an FA’s IT department has far more South Asians than Afro-Caribbeans because of their ‘different career interests’.
He was prompted by another MP to apologise, and resigned the same day, admitting his comments were ‘unacceptable’. However, he initially said he intended to continue in his role with FIFA – a position that earns him £190,000 a year.
Clarke was elected FIFA vice-president by UEFA last year, and told Sky Sports on Thursday morning that he was staying in the post ‘at the request of UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin’.
We can confirm that Greg Clark has resigned as our Chairman.
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.
— FA (@FA) November 10, 2020
However, there has since been a complete U-turn, with UEFA confirming that he has resigned.
A statement from the governing body was read. [via Rob Harris]: “Following a telephone call between the UEFA President and Greg Clarke this morning, he agreed with Greg Clarke’s suggestion that he should resign as UEFA representative to the FIFA Council with immediate effect.”
After resigning from the FA, Clarke issued a statement admitting his regret for his remarks, which read: “My unacceptable words to Parliament and to those who watch, play, referee and administer our game.” were harmful.my determination to move on
“I am deeply saddened that I have offended the diverse communities in football that I and others have worked so hard to include.”