Wales football chief Jonathan Ford being investigated over racism after saying next Wales manager ‘not English’
Kick Racism Out of Football campaign and members of FAW council felt Ford's remarks could be seen as racist
FOOTBALL Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford is to face a probe over his comment that the next Wales manager will “definitely” not be English.
The FAW’s investigation could delay the appointment of the next Wales manager as Ford is due to head up the process of finding Chris Coleman’s successor.
Ford said last week that the FAW preferred the next Wales manager to be Welsh and “definitely not English”.
Ford told : “We have always favoured Welsh people because arguably the passion is there.
“Somebody said this earlier, Welsh most definitely, foreign possibly, but definitely not English.”
But the ruling FAW council met in Cardiff on Tuesday and voted for Ford’s comment to be explored further, with a three-man disciplinary commission set up.
The FAW are strong supporters of the Kick Racism Out Of Football campaign and some members of the 34-strong council feel Ford’s remark could be viewed as potential racism by outsiders.
Contenders for the Wales job include Ryan Giggs, who is set to be interviewed in the next few weeks along with other candidates.
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But sections of Welsh supporters are dead against hiring the former Manchester United winger, who has won the most accolades in the club game of any British footballer, because he missed friendlies for the national side.
Former United and Wales ace Micky Thomas said: “Why not give it to Ryan Giggs, with his experience, I think he’ll be just the man for the job.
“For me he has a stigma against him from some Welsh fans.
“He missed friendlies, but you have to understand he was playing for the biggest club in the world and there were some very important matches, he turned up for the most important Wales games.”