BBC SPORT | Football | Crozier quits as FA boss

Football Association chief executive Adam Crozier has resigned.

The Scot quit on Thursday after coming under pressure following disagreements about commercial deals involving the England team.

Your say: Crozier right to resign?

"It is with great regret and sadness that I have today accepted Adam Crozier's resignation," said FA chairman Geoff Thompson.

Adam does not feel he can compromise and I fully respect his point of view

FA chairman Geoff Thompson

FA spokesman Paul Newman insisted that England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson would not be quitting in the wake of Crozier's decision.

"I've spoken to Sven," said Newman. "He's devastated by the news, of course, but equally he will carry on in his role."

One of the main points of contention between Crozier and Thompson was the Scot's allegedly autocratic style of management.

Crozier recently angered leading Premier League officials, who represent the interests of the top clubs, by signing a sponsorship deal for England players without consulting them.

Crozier, who took charge in January 2000, has agreed to stay on for the immediate future to smooth the path for his successor.

Crozier said: "It will be difficult for me to leave a job that I have enjoyed so much and which has given me so much satisfaction," said Crozier.

Profile: Adam Crozier

"It has been a privilege to have combined my love of football with my career.

"I will, however, leave the FA with a sense of pride in our achievements and satisfaction with the progress we have made."

A statement on the FA's website said Crozier's decision was based on two key principles:

The three-year change programme he initiated in January 2000 is coming to a natural end.

A difference of opinion over how the game should be run and regulated in the future, within the FA.

Kelly rues Crozier departure

"It is on this second issue that Adam does not feel he can compromise and I fully respect his point of view," added Thompson.

I think they are going to find it very difficult to fill his shoes

Former FA chief executive Graham Kelly

"As this is essentially a professional difference of opinion there are, therefore, no personal issues whatsoever on either side.

"I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Adam for his tremendous vision and drive.

"He leaves the FA in a very strong position financially, structurally and in a football sense."

A victim of his own success


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