England defender Tyrone Mings said the appointment of a black man or woman as the next FIFA president would be a big step forward.
Greg Clark He resigned on Tuesday After “unacceptable” language is used when referring to black players.
“We don’t necessarily require the next president or president to be black,” said Mings of Aston Villa.
“What we are asking is equal opportunity for both blacks and whites, or ethnic minorities.”
Clark said his statements, made before a government select committee, “hurt our game.”
He was also criticized for comments he made referring to gay players making “a choice in life”, and one coach told him that young players did not like hitting the ball hard.
Mings participated in creating the Federation’s Football Leadership Diversity Act, which it was Launched in October.
Asked what it meant to have a black man or woman in office, Mings said, “Of course it would be a big step.
So we don’t necessarily ask for it as evidence, “We’ve done it now” or “This is what we are fighting for.”
“What we are really asking for is equal opportunity and for everyone to get a fair kick from the whip.”
Mings added that Clark’s comments showed there was still a “long way to go” in dealing with equality and diversity.
“Of course, the goal is to have greater representation in management and training,” Mings said.
“I think that’s what we’re trying to create with the code and I think that’s what will give us a real lasting change.
“There’s no point in putting someone in there, they fail and then say, ‘Oh, we tried.’ It’s about how you can improve the process.”
England plays the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland between November 12-18.
