Darren Bailey

Darren joined The FA as Director of Football Governance and Regulation in March 2009. Building on a coaching and football background, Darren has continued to pursue twin interests in sport and law. In private practice he became Head of Governance and Commercial at a leading specialist Sports Law practice representing a range of international clients before going on to become the first in-house Legal Counsel at the International Rugby Board (IRB) in Dublin. Whilst at the IRB Darren developed the world wide regulations of the sport and oversaw all legal work associated with the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups. He also moved into a wider role in legislative affairs which included building strong relationships with the European and international sporting family. Darren now has responsibility for a wide range of matters within Football Governance and Regulation including discipline , anti-doping, integrity, equality and child protection, financial regulation, and on-field and off-field regulatory matters. Darren is the co-chair of the Expert Group on Good Governance established by the European Commission.