English Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick has confirmed that he'll step down from his post at the end of the year.
News of Barwick's departure leaked out just as England's 2-2 friendly draw with the Czech Republic was due to start at Wembley.
Barwick, who was appointed in 2005 and oversaw Fabio Capello's appointment as coach, later announced he will officially leave on December 31.
Barwick, a former controller of sport for ITV television, became FA chief executive in January 2005 and was largely responsible for appointing Steve McClaren as England manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson left the job following the 2006 World Cup.
He was also instrumental in replacing McClaren with Italian Fabio Capello earlier this year after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
Barwick's role had altered since the appointment of David Triesman as FA chairman earlier this year and there were differences between the two on what the role of the chief executive should be.
