The English FA has accepted the resignation of Paul Elliott after the anti-racism campaigner called former Charlton defender Richard Rufus "n*****" in a furious string of text messages. Elliott, a former Chelsea and Celtic defender, resigned from his roles as a member of the FA's judicial panel, as a nominated member of UEFA committees, and as a trustee of the "Let's Kick Racism Out of Football" campaign.

Elliott released a statement via Kick It Out on explaining his decision:

"Earlier this week, a former friend and business colleague made public an SMS text message I sent him, in which I used a term which is widely known as being derogatory to my own community. I regret using it; it is inappropriate and not part of my everyday vocabulary.

"As an advocate of high standards of public behavior, and integrity in public life, I know the use of this word sends out mixed messages and contradicts my position as a Kick It Out trustee."

Earlier this year, Elliott became the first black soccer player to receive the Commander of the Order of the British Empire award at Buckingham Palace for services to equality and diversity in soccer.