FA chief Palios resigns

MARK PALIOS last night resigned as chief executive of the FA. Palios informed FA chairman Geoff Thompson of his decision at 6pm, and it was accepted with immediate effect.

While Palios insists he has done nothing wrong, his position had come under increasing pressure after yesterday's News of the World claimed that director of communications Colin Gibson had offered a full and extensive account of England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's relationship with FA secretary Faria Alam in exchange for keeping Palios - with whom Alam also had a relationship - out of the story.

Palios said last night: "I am very sad that I feel this is necessary. It has been a privilege to be chief executive of the FA but with privilege comes the burden of responsibility."