But Robertson did say the FA do not have to agree to follow the select committee's proposals verbatim - but if not then they had to come up with an alternative solution.

'This is an opportunity to come up with something sensible that tackles the issues that have been raised,' he added.

The Government's proposals also call for reform of the FA board. They propose the new structure should be made up of a chairman, general secretary, two further FA executives 'bringing wider football expertise', two independent non-executive directors and two each from the professional and national game.

A joint FA, Premier League and Football League statement read: 'We shall now take time to consider the (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) response as we formulate what the most appropriate actions might be.'

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