England soccer workforce banned from the upcoming European Championship
England’s strollers have been banned from the upcoming European Champs – reportedly by their own chief who fans have accused of ‘taking his lead’ from underfire FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
An England football team has been dealt a crushing blow(Image: Getty Images/Image Source)
FIFA is not the only embattled part of football – old folks’ walking soccer is at war too.
England’s strollers have been banned from the upcoming European Championships – reportedly by their own chief who fans have accused of ‘taking his lead’ from underfire FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Paul Carr is chief executive of England’s Walking Football Association – aka WFA – and president of the Federation of International Walking Football Associations – or FIWFA – the sport’s global body.
According to WFA colleagues Carr – in his capacity as FIWFA president – has suspended England from the international association.
Paul Carr of the England Walking Football Association
That means the ‘walking’ Three Lions – reigning champions in five age categories – are banned from playing in November’s Euros in Spain.
Carr, a Reform councillor, allegedly imposed the sanction after his fellow WFA directors backed a merger with the Football Association which he opposed.
After repeatedly speaking out against the plan the FIWFA – which Carr also heads – claimed in a WhatsApp group English referees had left the WFA to join the world body instead.
The WFA issued a public denial but Carr – acting in his capacity as FIWFA president – refused to accept it.
In a letter to the WFA he demanded a retraction and apology accusing it of bringing the FIWFA into disrepute.
The WFA refused and other members lodged a complaint against Carr which he reportedly refused to allow to be investigated.
Walking football is very popular with older athletes(Image: Tony Kershaw / SWNS)
FIWFA then expelled England’s teams from the walking Euros.
WFA chairman Andy Kille said the ban was ‘disproportionate’ and ‘disappointing’.
In a statement the organisation said: “It is a great shame that FIWFA have taken what we consider to be disproportionate action, disappointing our players and creating a situation where the other teams entering will not be able to compete against, in most categories, the reigning world champions.”
Walking football was invented in Chesterfield, Derbys, in 2011 so players of all ages can enjoy the game.
Running, slide tackles and heading are all banned.
England boasts more than 1,200 walking football clubs with the sport being played in over 80 countries and popularity growing in Spain, France, Italy, the US and Australia.
The Lions won the World Cup last year in Spain in the men’s over 50s, 60s and 70s age groups and the women’s over 40s and 60s.
November’s tournament will cover all age groups.
A spokesman for the WFA said: “There are a number of ongoing issues some of which would be confidential and as such we cannot comment at this time.”
Carr, who represents Elmham and Mattishall on Norfolk County Council, has declined to comment.
But members of England’s walking football community have spoken about the row on the WFA’s Facebook page.
Mark Henshaw said: “Am I right that Mr Carr is effectively disciplining himself as he is chair and president of both bodies? You couldn’t make this up.”
David Brooks added: “For the most part the same people run both organisations!! So they are arguing with themselves?”
Chris Davis said: “Sounds like a battle of egos to me and the FIWFA are making the rules up on a personal whim. Perhaps Mr Carr is taking his lead from Infantino.”
The bust up means not only may England miss out on the walking Euros but they are currently set to boycott the 2030 full-speed World Cup.
UEFA – which runs European football and of which England is a member – has vowed its teams will not take part if Infantino remains in charge of FIFA.
The body said it had lost confidence in him as president after it was revealed he planned to create a sister company to run tournaments including the World Cup 20% of which would be sold off to private investors – including one of Donald Trump ’s in-laws.
Infantino hoped to run the splinter company himself on a £22m-a-year salary.
He scrapped the plan after details were leaked prompting UEFA to call for his head.
Infantino last week apologised to FIFA staff blindsided by his deal in a bid to stay in office.
FIFA claims he has been the victim of a smear campaign.
But UEFA has refused to back down.
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