LONDON: Mark Bullingham, the Football Association’s chief commercial and football development officer, is to succeed Martin Glenn who steps down as ceo at the end of the season.

Bullingham, who joined the FA in August 2016, has overseen a 25 per cent rise in annual revenue on his watch.

One of his challenges will be to steer the FA forward in a cohosting bid from the UK and Ireland for the 2030 World Cup.

FA chairman Greg Clarke said Bullingham was “undoubtedly the best person” to lead the organisation into an “exciting new era”.

Bullingham said: “I’m hugely passionate about the role The FA plays in improving the English game and our positive contribution to society.

“Getting kids across the country active and learning life skills such as teamwork and communication is incredibly rewarding.

“I’m confident in the talent and determination of the workforce here and the direction we are heading together.”

Bullingham, who is a qualified coach and has managed an under-9 girls’ and an under-11 boys’ team for the last four years, is said to have been key to brokering new sponsorship and broadcast deals for the FA and Wembley.

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