Sexism Row: English FA Director Adds to Pressure on EPL Chief

English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore should consider his position after the leak of emails that showed evidence of a "closed culture of sexism" within the organization, a Football Association director said on Saturday.

Pressure has been mounting on Scudamore since the disparaging exchanges with a lawyer were published by a British newspaper last Sunday, although the FA said it would not take disciplinary action. But now independent FA board member Heather Rabbatts has become the most high-profile figure to speak out against the executive considered to be English football's most powerful figure.

Rabbatts said she wants to ensure the national game is seen as being open to women, who must feel confident "the leaders of football are accountable."

"If the league are to move forward in a positive way then he (Scudamore) and they should give serious consideration to his position in the coming days," Rabbatts added.

Scudamore has been silent since issuing an apology Sunday. A league committee is set to discuss the case Monday, but Rabbatts said the organization does not have "proper lines of accountability and good governance."

"Sadly recent events appear to show that these things are currently lacking in the administration of the Premier League and indeed there is growing evidence of a closed culture of sexism, symbolized in the email exchanges which have been made public," said the FA's only female board member.

"It is increasingly clear that steps are needed as a matter of urgency to review governance at the Premier League with a view to improving accountability and tackling head on a culture that demeans women and seems to discourage their involvement in the game's administration."