Rupinder Bains has become the first Asian ever to be appointed as a director on the FA Board
Thursday 23 November 2017 08:34, UK
Rupinder Bains has become the first Asian ever to be appointed as a director on the Football Association Board.
Bains, who comes from a legal background, was the unanimous choice as the EFL and Premier League's third Professional Game (PG) non-executive director on the board.
Her appointment means for the first time the FA now has two women on its board following the appointment of Kate Tinsley last month.
Bains, who becomes the only non-white member on the FA Board, will also represent the Professional Game on The FA Council.
A third female is expected to be appointed in due course. The FA - like other sports boards in receipt of government funding - must meet the 30 per cent gender diversity target laid out in Sports Minister Tracey Crouch's Code for Sports Governance.
Bains said: "I'm very proud and honoured to be offered this role within the Football Association. This is an organisation with fantastic history and traditions, governing a huge constituency of footballing personnel from grassroots up to international level.
"It is a significant moment in the governance of the FA and I am delighted to be embarking on a journey looking at the broader issues and I am hoping to be able to contribute to the evolving and developing nature of the Football Association and to the most widely supported sport in the world."
FA chairman, Greg Clarke, said: "I am delighted to formally welcome Rupinder on behalf of The Football Association Board.
"She brings to the Board a demonstrable track record of success in business and a good knowledge of football from her legal and commercial work.
"Rupinder will be an excellent addition to The FA Board and Council."
