Burns anniversary marked by slow progress

On the first anniversary of the Lord Burns review of the structure and governance of the Football Association (FA), sports minister Richard Caborn is reported to be "disappointed and frustrated" at the slow progress made in implementing the report's recommendations.

The Burns review was supposed to address concerns over bureaucracy at the FA and made a number of key proposals, including the streamlining of the FA main board.

One year on, however, change has not been forthcoming. The FA board, which consists of six representatives from the professional game and six representatives from the amateur game, is believed to be stuck in a stalemate, as both elements are keen to maintain influence.

Burns suggested that the board should be reduced in size, and that it should include two executive and two non-executive directors, accountable to the FA council, and that the day-to-day running of the FA should be left to the executive team, led by chief executive, Brian Barwick.

Commentators have suggested that a rift between Barwick and FA chair, Geoff Thompson, may also be playing a part. Thompson's support comes from the county FAs – having himself come through the regional structure.

The FA council is due to debate the plans in September, with a view to approving proposals in October.