Sol Campbell believes all-white FA commission should be more diverse

11 October 2013

Former England and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has blasted the lack of diversity on the Football Association commission set up to boost England's fortunes on the pitch.

"I wouldn't mind if they had some black players in there, black players who have actually done something for club and country," Campbell said.

"Football is a diverse game and that should be reflected in the committee."

The FA panel consists of eight members - all of whom are white.

"There is enough experience there but I wouldn't mind if they looked at other avenues and put some black players in there to mix it about," declared Campbell.

"It seems like that's overlooked all the time. I don't know who's whispering in their ears but it seems the same situation keeps cropping up.

"The FA has got to start opening up, spreading its wings and looking at different people from different backgrounds who have done great things for club and country to get the views they need to move on.

Football League chairman Greg Clarke, Professional Footballers' Association chairman Ritchie Humphreys and Crewe director of football Dario Gradi sit on the panel, alongside former England defender Danny Mills, ex-England boss Glenn Hoddle, 1992 title-winning Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson and FA vice-chairman Roger Burden.

Campbell stated: "You can't have similar people, similar mindsets, in one committee if you want to expand and find different solutions.

"I don't want it to fail, I want it to be successful. But it's tough because they left it for far too long to wake up to the problem.”

He also stated the arrival of players from abroad into English club academies was damaging native talent.

"English players are suffering," he said. "When I started, only one player in my youth team wasn't British. Now, if you go into most Premier League clubs there are hardly any English players.

"The pool is dropping and the pressure from foreign players means the English kids haven't got the chance to make mistakes."

Campbell admitted English players have dropped behind their continental equivalents in terms of technique.

He said: "Up and down England, we are not seeing kids playing in the streets, learning how to play football.”

He also identified with Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere's position that only those with a strong attachment to England should play football for the country.

"You need to have at least grown up in England and understand the meaning of playing for England," Campbell added.

MORE ABOUT

Premier League

Sol Campbell

Sol Campbell believes all-white FA commission should be more diverse

Read More