Batson takes charge of FA's disciplinary review

Brendon Batson has been appointed to oversee a review of the Football Association's disciplinary regulations and procedures.

The FA intends to introduce rule changes next season in an effort to speed up the disciplinary process and to make it more transparent and understood. The review was set in motion by the FA's chief executive, Mark Palios, at the start of the season, and he said: "Brendon's experience means he is ideally qualified to fulfil this important and challenging task. I know how much respect he has throughout the game and I am delighted he has agreed to help us".

Batson, the former West Bromwich Albion player who rose to become deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association before returning to Albion as the managing director, will oversee a consultation process with leagues, players, managers, referees, administrators and supporters at various levels of the game.

He has played a prominent role in anti-racism initiatives and drug awareness campaigns within football and was awarded the MBE in 2001. Last month he was asked by the FA to help prepare its statement for Uefa's investigation into the tunnel fracas at England's Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul.