Manchester FA’s Chair of Council informed Council Members prior to Thursday night’s AGM that the proposal to offer Phil Morris Honorary Membership to Council was to be retracted.
Frank Hannah (MBE) who is also President of the Association, informed all Council Members in writing of the following ‘I believe that the proposal to offer Honorary Membership to Phil Morris should now be retracted and that a full meeting with all Council in attendance should take place to discuss this matter and as President and Chair of Council, I have made that decision.’
Manchester FA on behalf of Members of The Manchester FA’s Council regret and apologise for the ‘error of judgement’ that has been made , particularly taking into account all the good work that Manchester FA and The FA is delivering in partnership with The Manchester Jewish Soccer League. The Manchester Jewish Soccer League over the last few days were acknowledged for their outstanding work and rewarded with FA Charter Standard League Status. This piece of development work is a great achievement, accurately reflecting our working relationship with the Jewish Soccer League.
Colin Bridgford said, ‘As Chief Executive, I echo the above sentiments of the President. ‘I also believe that the decision to retract the proposal is the right thing to do. The work that our team continue to do in Manchester with all sections of the Community is held and will continue to be held as ‘Best Practice’ across the country’.
He added – ‘As the regulatory and development body for grassroots football in Manchester, it is vitally important to note that Manchester FA's relationship, understanding and commitment to the game is as strong as it has ever been. Our relationship with all cultures, organisations and partners represents solidarity and that we are all unified in ensuring we set the highest possible standards and values throughout football. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by all. Manchester FA's Equality Policy ensures that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
The values of Manchester FA reflect a commitment to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. We are here to encourage equal opportunities.
The FA and Manchester FA is committed to the development of a programme of ongoing, training and awareness events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within football.
I would like to place on record the continued ethos of the team here at Manchester FA, who continually provide the support to all Volunteers, Players, Coaches, Referees, Clubs, Teams and Leagues across our valued grassroots network.
Manchester FA has an Equality Working Group with members from all community groups. That Working Group challenges issues and helps remove barriers that are sometimes in the way of participation. Within this group there is a representative from the Manchester Jewish League.
Working closely with all sections of the community, Manchester FA are committed to, and will do all that we can to ensure that discrimination within the game is not accepted.
End of Statement
