His last appearance as chairman was literally this afternoon at a hearing in the British Parliament. Clarke spoke of “colored footballers”, which is not done in England to refer to BAME players (black, Asian, minority ethnic / black, Asian and ethnic minorities).
He also claimed that South Asian people had “a different career interest” than playing football and that the FA’s IT department proved it, said being gay was a “life choice” and suggested that women don’t like the ball hard kicked at them.
Clarke’s words provoked much outrage in the English football world and beyond, including politically and socially. He partly apologized in parliament, but that came too late.
“My unacceptable words before parliament did not serve us football and those who play, watch, direct and direct it,” he announced his resignation.
“I am deeply saddened that I have hurt those diverse communities that I and many others have worked so hard to integrate into our football community. I would like to apologize deeply.”
News of his resignation came during a virtual press conference with England defender Tyrone Mings, who helped develop a new FA code to empower gender and ethnic diversity in trainer and executive positions.
Mings responded: “We all have a long way to go. If one thing has become clear in this year, it is that a lot of people have become aware of the problems in our society through a lot of uncomfortable conversations. Things like these are not ideal.”
“At the same time, we have a duty to understand what is going on in the world and which terminology you can and cannot use.”
63-year-old Clarke, who became president in September 2016, has made several mistakes verbally, but this time it costs him his head. He will remain vice-president of FIFA for the time being. The FA appointed director Peter McCormick as interim chairman.
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