New Football Association chairman David Bernstein has been given the green light to pursue the proposal for the FA to have two independent board members. At his first board meeting, Bernstein won unanimous approval to take his proposal for the two additional independent directors to the FA Council.

The former Manchester City chairman has written to all FA council members admitting it is a contentious issue.

His letter reads: "The board considered a recommendation to change the composition of the FA board by the addition of two voting independent non-executive directors and discussed the benefits such a change may bring.

"The board agreed that I should now consult with Council members to gather their views before any recommendation is put to shareholders.

"I am very aware that this issue has been discussed extensively in the past. I recognise that, for some, this may be a controversial proposal.

"That is why I am keen to engage with Council members in the coming weeks to discuss the merits of the proposal. So please, if any of you have any concerns on this matter do give me a call or email me."

The move has been welcomed by the sports minister Hugh Robertson, who has been keen for the FA to introduce the independent board members which were recommended by Lord Burns in his review of the organisation six years ago.