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Paul Elliott CBE, Chair of The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, has hailed the addition of four new women to the FA Council, taking the number of females to 12 in total.

In all, there are eight newcomers to the FA Council but arguably the most significant additions are Sonia Kulkarni (FA Women's Super League), Katrina Law (Supporters' Representative), Sarah Nickless (FA Youth Council) and Lauren O’Sullivan (Association of Colleges Sport).

Congratulations also to Liz Verrall from the Berks & Bucks County FA, who became one of seven changes to the existing Council having replaced Richard Lipscombe.

The FA Council, which is made up of representatives from the Premier League, Football League and County FAs among others, meets to ratify proposals made by English football's governing body.

For Elliott, who recently took over from Dame Heather Rabbatts as Chair of the FA's Inclusion Advisory Board, the appointments are a step in the right direction.

“These people will be a fantastic addition to our work,” he enthused. “They were selected because they represent constituencies of the game that should have a voice in The FA’s decision-making structures and will contribute to the greater diversity of the Council membership.

“It encompasses the race and gender diversity we’re so often criticised for not having, and demonstrates a pledge for full inclusion.”

The full list of women now on the FA Council is as follows: Rimla Akhtar, Rebecca Caplehorn, Sue Hough, Sonia Kulkarni, Katrina Law, Katrien Meire, Sarah Nickless, Elaine Oram, Lauren O’Sullivan, Fleur Robinson, Liz Verrall and Sally Webb.

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