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Rupinder Bains is relishing the challenge of being able to contribute to the "evolving and developing nature" of the Football Association following her appointment as the first Asian director on the FA Board.

Her appointment also means that for the first time the FA now has two women on its board following the appointment of Kate Tinsley last month.

Rupinder is the founder and managing director of the law firm Pinder Reaux & Associates Limited, who specialise in media, defamation and reputation management and sports law.

She was the unanimous choice as the EFL and Premier League's third Professional Game (PG) non-executive director on the board and becomes the only non-white member on the FA Board. Rupinder will also represent the Professional Game on The FA Council.

She said: "I'm very proud and honoured to be offered this role within the Football Association.

"This is an organisation with fantastic history and traditions, governing a huge constituency of footballing personnel from grassroots up to international level.

"It is a significant moment in the governance of the FA and I am delighted to be embarking on a journey looking at the broader issues and I am hoping to be able to contribute to the evolving and developing nature of the Football Association and to the most widely supported sport in the world."

FA chairman, Greg Clarke, added: "I am delighted to formally welcome Rupinder on behalf of The Football Association Board.

"She brings to the Board a demonstrable track record of success in business and a good knowledge of football from her legal and commercial work.

"Rupinder will be an excellent addition to The FA Board and Council."

A third female is expected to be appointed in due course. The FA - like other sports boards in receipt of government funding - must meet the 30 per cent gender diversity target laid out in Sports Minister Tracey Crouch's Code for Sports Governance.

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