Paul Elliott quits FA post after Richard Rufus race row

The former Chelsea and Celtic defender allegedly aimed a racial insult via text at ex-Charlton player Rufus in an argument over a failed business venture

The Football Association has accepted the resignation of anti-racism campaigner Paul Elliott from all his positions within the organisation after he made “discriminatory abusive comments”.

Elliott, a former Chelsea and Celtic defender, allegedly aimed a racial insult via text at ex-Charlton player Richard Rufus in an argument over a failed business venture. Both men are black.

FA chairman David Bernstein said in a statement that Elliott's position was "untenable" after the matter was reported by press earlier this week.

Elliott was a leading light and trustee of the Kick It Out campaign, a position from which he has also stepped down, and served on the FA's judicial panel and as a nominated member of Uefa committees.

The 48-year-old received a CBE for services to equality and diversity in football earlier this month.

A statement read: "The FA has today 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."

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."

PA