Football: FA Chairman Clarke resigns after offensive comments

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke resigned Tuesday after being condemned for making racist comments during a parliamentary select committee hearing. The departure of Clarke, who is also a vice president of FIFA, was announced hours after apologizing for inappropriately referencing “colored footballers," but not expressing any regret for claiming South Asian people have “different career interests” than playing the game and for saying sexuality was a “life choice.” Clarke referenced “colored footballers” while discussing racist abuse faced by players. “If I said it I deeply apologise for it,” Clarke said when asked later about it in the committee hearing. “I am a product of having worked overseas. I worked in the USA for many years where I was required to use the term, ‘People of color,’ and ... sometimes I trip over my words.” Clarke's reference to sexuality being a “life choice” came while talking about the lack of openly gay male footballers in England. There was an outcry three years ago when Clarke appeared at the same select committee overseeing sports and he dismissed some concerns about racism within the FA as “fluff.” The FA last month launched a new drive to increase gender and ethnic diversity in coaching and senior leadership positions, with targets set for recruitment. The FA said board member Peter McCormick will become interim chairman as it begins the search for Clarke's successor.