Thompson was elected FA Chairman in 1999

Thompson, who had been due to leave the post in the summer, will now make way for the FA's first independent chairman, Lord Triesman, next Thursday.

Thompson said: "It would be in the best interests of the FA to allow Lord David Triesman to take up his new appointment at his earliest opportunity."

Tottenham fan Triesman, takes over as chairman of the FA Council on 11 March.

Triesman was unanimously approved by the FA's selection panel in December and the 64-year-old will now stand down from his position as a government minister.

Thompson, who was made an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List last year, will continue as a vice-president of both Fifa and Uefa.

He has dedicated nine years as chairman to developing the English game FA chief executive Brian Barwick

Thompson added: "I will work with Lord Triesman and The FA over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth and effective handover of responsibilities, thus allowing the organisation to move to the important next phase of its history without delay."

Thompson was elected FA Chairman in 1999 and twice championed the restructuring of the FA - once in 1999 and again in 2007.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "He has dedicated nine years as chairman to developing the English game and extending our influence and assistance overseas.