The Football Association (The FA) has announced Martin Glenn has resigned from his position of Chief Executive Officer but will remain in post until the end of the 2018-19 season.

During his tenure he helped create the culture around St. George’s Park and the England teams which has led to an unprecedented period of success for elite teams across all age groups in tournaments.

In 2018, England men’s seniors reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup following on from the Lionesses’ third-place finish in 2015, while the U17 and U20s both became World Cups winners in 2017 and the women’s U20s finished third at their World Cup in 2018.

Glenn also oversaw the re-organisation of the fixture schedule that has resulted in a mid-season player break to take place from next season.

Under his leadership, there has been a change in culture at The FA with the recruitment of new team aimed at making the organisation more progressive, effective and diverse with 34% staff female and 12% from a BAME background.

In his four years, Glenn has overseen a 40% increase in revenue which has enabled The FA to invest record amounts into the game at all levels. This has also led to increased funds into the Emirates FA Cup with a doubling of prize money for both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Martin has also been unrelenting in his commitment to women’s football, with a record expenditure into all areas of women’s football.

“When I accepted the role of CEO at The FA, I was tasked with improving the effectiveness of the organisation and making it financially secure,” explained Glenn.

“I also joined with the strong belief that the England team’s performance in tournaments could and should improve, and that the experience of the millions of people who play football could be a better one.

“I will leave feeling proud of the success of the performance of all the England teams. I am confident that we have established in St. George’s Park, a world class centre which will ensure that the teams will continue to build on their current successes. I hope that The FA will be able to build on this by accelerating the breakthrough of English qualified players into the first teams.

“Running The FA has been a huge honour and a privilege but I have only been able to achieve what I have been able to thanks to everyone who works here. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my staff for their commitment and dedication to running our national game.

“Football has a role in society far bigger than the game itself and undeniably makes us richer on many levels whether it be mass participation for both men and increasingly women, or the tremendous global appeal of our professional game. It has been a pleasure playing a part in this wonderful game.”

FA Chairman, Greg Clarke, added: “On behalf of the Board of The FA, I would like to thank Martin for building and leading a senior management team that has transformed our organisation.

“His integrity, commitment, energy and passion for football has underpinned the improvements on and off the pitch. The resulting commercial success has funded hugely significant change in the women’s game, St. George’s Park, the FA Cup and the national teams.

“Martin leaves as his legacy an organisation that is fit for purpose, more diverse, internationally respected and ready to progress to the next level.

“I and the organisation will miss his effective, principled and compassionate leadership and wish him well.”

Image: PA Images