Football, rugby and cricket could all face cuts in government funding if their governing bodies fail to appoint more female directors, according to sports minister Helen Grant.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, her first since being promoted to what she still describes as “the best job in Government”, she made it clear that getting more women into decision-making roles was a top priority.

Britain’s sports governing bodies have been told that at least 25% of their board members must be female by 2017 if they are not to risk losing any of their exchequer funding.

The Football Association, Rugby Football Union and England and Wales Cricket Board do not rely on Government handouts in order to function but nevertheless still receive millions of pounds in grassroots money.

Grant told The Daily Telegraph: “The same approach has to be applied to absolutely everyone. We expect to see at least 25 per cent of women on sports boards that receive public money by 2017.”

Asked if that cash could be withdrawn if the FA, RFU and ECB failed to comply, she added: “Potentially.”

Source: The Daily Telegraph