Ched Evans case could lead to new regulations, says FA board member Heather Rabbatts

Heather Rabbatts believes the Football Association will consider including new regulations in the players code of conduct in the wake of the Ched Evans case.

FA board member, Rabbatts, accepts the governing body need to set out clear guidelines for dealing with sensitive issue within football.

The FA was criticised for remaining silent while the convicted rapist was in talks with Oldham.

Rabbatts told Sky Sports News HQ the Evans case has highlighted the need for change but insists any club that decides to employ the former Sheffield United striker must take responsibility for how he is reintegrated into the game.

“As Greg Dyke the chairman said, we want to go away and look at this issue. I mean fundamentally it is about the relationships between clubs and players but whether it is through the lense of codes of conduct, that may be one of the areas that everyone wants to consider because I don’t think that there is anyone in football that doesn’t feel the Ched Evans matter has thrown up issues we all need to consider.

“Football exists in a very unique and special place. It comes under a level of scrutiny unlike virtually any other sport. The reputation is fragile at times as we all know. We have these incidents and they cast a very big shadow over football, despite all the great work that many of us are trying to do.

“Therefore, I think being clear in the future about how we all collectively respond to these matters is a priority and that’s what we are trying to work on now.

“Ultimately, how someone like Ched Evans comes back into the game will be the responsibility of his employing club and I have no doubt in the light of recent events they will think very carefully about it.”