Frustrations lead Watmore to resign as FA chief

IAN Watmore has resigned as chief executive of the Football Association in a shock move that has served to underline the divisions between the organisation and the Premier League.

Watmore had been in the post for only a year but had become increasingly frustrated with his proposals for change being blocked.

It is understood his chief problem was with Sir Dave Richards, chairman of the Premier League, who sits on a number of important FA committees including the board. Watmore felt Richards consistently blocked decisions on a number of issues, although taken in isolation none of the issues were major.

The reasons behind Watmore's decision came as a surprise to some in the Premier League as chief executive Richard Scudamore had got on well with him.

An emergency FA board meeting has been called for today to discuss the resignation and the appointment of a successor.

FA chairman Lord Triesman said: "Ian Watmore tendered his resignation to me on Friday. I asked him to re-consider over the weekend. However, he has confirmed his position remains unchanged and I have accepted it with great regret."

Watmore's resignation means there will be now be a seventh chief executive within little more than 10 years: Graham Kelly, David Davies (acting capacity), Adam Crozier, Mark Palios, Brian Barwick, Watmore and his successor.

• Portsmouth have been fined by the Premier League after breaching a series of rules and regulations this season. The League had no option but to hand the financially stricken south-coast club, who are now in administration, a number of penalties for the rule breaches.

"Portsmouth have been fined for a series of breaches of our rules and regulations during the course of this season," a spokesman for the League confirmed

The fine has been reported as being in the region of 1 million and is understood to relate to the club's late payment of wages to playing staff and late payment of outstanding transfer cash.

• The FA has launched an investigation after Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was struck by a missile from the away section during their home match against Burnley on Saturday.

The FA will speak to referee Mike Jones and his officials after reading his report this morning and both clubs will be contacted for their observations.

• West Ham hope to welcome back captain Scott Parker from a leg injury for tonight's crucial Barclays Premier League clash at home to fellow strugglers Wolves.