Debbie Hewitt To Become First Woman Chair Of England's Football Association

On Tuesday, England's Football Association (FA) nominated former RAC chief, and corporate executive, Debbie Hewitt as its first woman chair.

The latest announcement has finally ended the months-long speculation over who would be Greg Clarke's successor for the position. Clarke had resigned in November 2020, after an offensive remark, at a hearing of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee. His remarks had caused outrage amongst the football playing community.

We're pleased to announce that our board has nominated Debbie Hewitt MBE to become our new Chair from January 2022, subject to ratification by our council:

— The FA (@FA) June 8, 2021

Debbie Hewitt to join as the first woman chair of FA in January 2022

Debbie Hewitt will be joining as the first woman chair for the Association, in January 2022. She is currently serving as the non-executive chair of Visa Europe, The Restaurant Group plc, BGL Group and White Stuff.

Hewitt expressed her delight over her nomination. "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," said Hewitt.

Kate Tinsley, the independent non-executive FA director and chair of the selection panel, said that Hewitt is an outstanding candidate, who immediately displayed her passion, to influence the future of the football association.

FA Council to ratify new chair in July

The council of the football association has been asked to formally ratify the new chair at its next meeting on 22 July this year, with Peter McCormick remaining as interim chair. The FA was formed in 1863 has been working on becoming more inclusive, after launching its 'Pursuit of Progress' initiative in 2018. This was done to increase the diversity of all those who are playing, coaching, officiating, and governing English football.