Bernstein To Be Forced Out Next May, FA To Search For New Chair

FA Chair DAVID BERNSTEIN "will be forced to stand down" next May after the FA Council refused to make an exception to its rules to allow him to keep his post beyond his 70th birthday, according to Owen Gibson of the London GUARDIAN. The former Man City chairman had hoped to stay on until after the 2014 World Cup "to complete his three-year term limit." Although the move was backed by the FA Board, a "close vote" went against Bernstein at the FA Council on the basis it would be "inappropriate to change known and agreed rules on an individual basis." Bernstein said, "I respect the decision, and I remain committed to fulfilling my responsibilities and to building on what we have achieved over the past two years." The decision means the FA "will be looking to appoint" a new chairman in May, the same month it is scheduled to host the Champions League final at Wembley and the UEFA Congress. It is hosting both events as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations (GUARDIAN, 10/17).