The English Football Association has today (Saturday) accepted the resignation of Paul Elliott from all roles representing the organisation. This follows a conversation in which discriminatory abusive comments were made to Richard Rufus.

Elliott has resigned from his roles with The FA, as a member of the Association’s Judicial Panel and as a nominated member of UEFA committees. He has also left his role at Kick It Out.

FA Chairman David Bernstein said: “I wish to thank Paul for his dedicated and unstinting work, particularly in the area of anti-racism. I am saddened by this turn of events and it is with regret that we accept Paul’s resignation.

“However, the use of discriminatory language is unacceptable regardless of its context and in effect has made Paul’s position untenable.”

Ex-Celtic and Chelsea star Paul Elliott, a leading light of the ‘Kick It Out’ campaign, earlier this week made the slur against another former player, Richard Rufus.

Elliott, 48, launched the broadside in a text argument over a business venture that went wrong. He wrote to Rufus: “Ur a stupid man n*****” then added: “You dog. Ur history my friend.”

The row ended with Elliott, recently made a CBE for services to equality and diversity in the game, warning: “This will follow you scumbag.”

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