The sudden resignation of Ian Watmore from his post as chief executive of the Football Association has created a tremendous ruckus, and some dire predictions about the future of football in England.
The great fear is that the uncertainty and lack of leadership within the Association will endanger England’s chance to host the World Cup in 2018. The bidding for this coveted honour will take place in December, and many officials are worried that rival teams will take advantage of the turmoil to further their own cause.
Though Watmore has been in office less than a year, the general feeling is that he was the right man for the job, well liked by his staff and dedicated to the welfare of the football industry. According to officials from both FA and the Premier League, he was gradually establishing a good working relationship between the two.
However, numerous sources have reported that Watmore was continually frustrated in his efforts for reform within the organization. The disagreements between Watmore and other Board members, notably Sir Dave Richards, Chairman of the Premier League were chiefly about finances and how they were handled.
Watmore felt that the industry has been more and more governed by political and vested interests, but every move he made to rectify the matter was blocked by the opposition. The resignation of Watmore now leaves an important role unfilled within the FA. Unlike other jobs in London, this role cannot be simply advertised and filled quickly. It will take time to find a good replacement that can offer hope of salvaging the football industry.
Though most of the members of both organizations said they were surprised by Watmore’s departure, the overall reaction is one of concern and alarm. Many feel that Ian Watmore may have been the only man who could “save” the football industry in England.