PFA recruits globetrotter Molango to take over from Taylor

March 17 – Maheta Molango, a former Swiss player who spent time in England’s lower leagues, is to become the first black chief executive of a leading English football body when he succeeds Gordon Taylor as chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association.

The PFA, which represents players in England and Wales, said in a statement on Tuesday that an independent advisory panel had recommended the 38-year-old to the board.

Taylor, 76, has headed the PFA since 1981 but has faced criticism over his salary level (£2 million per annum) and is due to leave at the end of the season.

The surprise choice of his successor was confirmed after a recruitment process conducted by an independent advisory panel and will be seen as welcome move towards diversity at the top of the English game.

Molango started his career at Atlético Madrid – though he never made a senior appearance for the club – before spending three years as a player in a number of clubs in England’s lower leagues 15 years ago.

He ended his playing career in Spain after qualifying as a lawyer and served for four years as chief executive of Real Mallorca.

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