– Kick It OutKick It Out extends its thanks to Paul for the key role he has played over the past 20 years, through his distinguished unpaid work, loyalty and devotion in helping the campaign in all areas of its work.
His commitment to the aims and objectives of Kick It Out has inspired others everywhere.
Paul Elliott released a statement via Kick It Out explaining his decision.
Earlier this week, a former friend and business colleague made public an SMS text message I sent him, in which I used a term which is widely known as being derogatory to my own community.
I regret using it; it is inappropriate and not part of my everyday vocabulary.
As an advocate of high standards of public behaviour, and integrity in public life, I know the use of this word sends out mixed messages and contradicts my position as a Kick It Out trustee.
I will continue to be active in other projects in what I believe to be a true and just cause.
Real shame about Paul Elliott. He has done much good for the game.
From @GaryLineker on Twitter:– FA Chairman David BernsteinI wish to thank Paul for his dedicated and unstinting work, particularly in the area of anti-racism. I am saddened by this turn of events and it is with regret that we accept Paul's resignation.
However, the use of discriminatory language is unacceptable regardless of its context and in effect has made Paul's position untenable.
The FA has accepted the resignation of Paul Elliott from all roles representing the organisation, it has announced.
It follows a conversation in which discriminatory abusive comments were allegedly made to former Charlton Athletic player Richard Rufus.
Elliott has resigned from his roles with The FA, as a member of the Association's Judicial Panel and as a nominated member of UEFA committees.
He has also left his role at Kick It Out.
The FA has today accepted the resignation of Paul Elliott from all roles representing the organisation: http://t.co/i6jZeUQmSa
From @FA on Twitter:
The inaugural Football Association (FA) England Awards will take place later today at St. George's Park, the new home of the FA's 24 England teams.
As part of the FA's 150th anniversary year celebrations, eleven awards will be presented in what will become an annual event.
The senior England team will be in attendance ahead of their friendly match against Brazil on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium.
In a joint statement, the FA, Premier League and Football League insisted the necessary reforms would be implemented:
The football authorities continue to work towards the final approval and implementation of the governance reform proposals as outlined in February 2012.
Significant headway has already been made on many of these proposed reforms, not least on sustainability and transparency. The remaining reform proposals are the subject of consultation within the game and we are confident that the necessary progress will be made.
Sports minister Hugh Robertson has insisted the warning on legislation to football was no empty threat.
He said: "We welcome the report from the select committee which shows the will there is across Parliament for football to modernise and change for the better.
"We have been clear that we want the football authorities to carry out the reforms they promised by the start of the 2013/14 season - most notably around improved governance and diverse representation at the FA, the development of a licensing system and greater financial transparency.
"If football does not deliver then we will look at bringing forward legislation."
Recommendations made by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for football include:
The FA, Premier League and Football League had responded to the initial committee proposals insisting they had taken steps towards "extremely radical" and "progressive" reforms.
The committee however said: "These proposals failed to go far enough."
