We need to be careful that we do not tarnish the growth and success of English football because of concerns about governance at the FA. To do so would denigrate the hard work, dedication and commitment of the thousands of volunteers at grassroots level right up to the professionalism of the majority of coaches, players and clubs at elite level.

I welcome the Government's desire for reform.  In October, the UK code of governance for sport was published, and the FA, while not written specifically for, is not exempt from it.  The code will help to ensure that all sports governing bodies are moving in the right direction and are creating the most effective environment for their sports to thrive. It will protect public investment in sport by ensuring that transparency, controls and financial probity are a prerequisite for all organisations in receipt of public money.  Good governance equals better decision making, and reform of the governance structures at the FA will undoubtedly permeate football at all levels.

Furthermore, at the grassroots level, the FA has been slow to evolve in line with people's playing habits and lifestyles; and for too long the FA failed to realise the true potential of women's and girl's football. By the end of March, the FA should have in place an action plan agreed with Sport England setting out what steps it is taking to become compliant with the code.

Finally, I was unfortunately unable to attend the Backbench business Debate on 9 February due to prior commitments.  However, I am encouraged by the Sports Minister's reassurances that if legislation is something that has to be considered in the longer term, then that is something the Government will do.  Although, I hope that threatening to cut public funding will drive the FA to act before that step becomes necessary.