Rio Ferdinand and Roy Hodgson join Football Association Commission

The FA’s only female board member, Heather Rabbatts was found criticising the commission for it’s “all-white, all-male make-up.”

As a response to the comments made by her, Rio Ferdinand and Roy Hodgson have been named on the Football Association’s commission to improve the national team.

FA chairman, Greg Dyke had said, “We have been speaking to Rio and Manchester United for some time about him joining the group – before we named the other members of the commission,” said Dyke.

“However, as he is a current Manchester United player we needed to be sure that Rio had the necessary time to fully participate on the commission and not impact on his day job. It has been agreed he does.

“As a current player with forthright views and opinions on the game, we can look forward to Rio providing significant insight and experience.”

The panel already consisted of FA vice-chairman Roger Burden, former England manager Glenn Hoddle, ex-England defender Danny Mills, League Managers’ Association chairman Howard Wilkinson, Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Ritchie Humphreys, Football League chairman Greg Clarke and Crewe director of football Dario Gradi.

Greg Dyke had initially said that the panel would not exceed 10 members, but the total number of members have not been confirmed as yet.

Dyke also went on to say that he delayed announcing Hodgson’s inclusion until England had qualified for the 2014 World Cup.

“It is important Roy can offer his views as the current manager of the national team and share the knowledge he has gained when working for many years in a number of countries,” he said.