FA panel to discuss Scudamore case

A Football Association equality panel will meet on Tuesday to discuss the Richard Scudamore sexist emails case after the Premier League chief executive received full backing from clubs. The FA's inclusion advisory board (IAB), chaired by independent FA board member Heather Rabbatts, will look into Scudamore's emails and the Premier League's process in handling the case.Scudamore spoke of his "sincere contrition" after the clubs decided against any further disciplinary action and said he would hold a series of meetings across football's administration to reassure them of his commitment to promote women in the game.The row has gone to the very top of British politics, however, with Prime Minister David Cameron saying the sexist emails highlighted the need for people to treat others with respect. Cameron said he had not personally read the messages sent by Scudamore, but that high standards had to be maintained. Asked if a minister would survive in their job if they admitted sexist behaviour, he told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I don't think they would. "I have to be careful what I say because I haven't seen these specific emails, but.we have to set and keep high standards in politics."I have tried to enforce that in my own party."He added: "I haven't actually seen the emails myself but obviously people should treat everybody else with respect."West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady insisted Scudamore "is categorically not sexist'', but said she was disappointed to learn of the emails.The head of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, Lord Herman Ouseley, said Cameron's statements showed the need for change in football.Ouseley said: "The Prime Minister stated earlier today that he wouldn't tolerate these types of comments in his own cabinet. A decision like this and the way it was made reflects the dominance, strength and culture at the very top of the football pyramid.Ouseley also claimed the Premier League's process in dealing with Scudamore was "flawed".Ouseley said: "Richard Scudamore is one of the most successful and powerful men in world football. The outcome of the proceedings into the revealed emails and their contents leaves the status quo intact."The process adopted by the Premier League is a flawed one and there was only ever going to be one outcome. It is incumbent on the Premier League to put in place a proper, objective, fair and independent process for dealing with such important matters in future."

Source: PA