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Darren will join The FA from the International Rugby Board (IRB) where he is Head of Legal & Legislative Affairs.

FA Chairman Lord Triesman (left)said: "I am delighted that Darren is joining us to take on this exciting and important position.

"He has a strong background in sports regulation and governance as well as having a real understanding and love of football. Darren also has excellent international connections with FIFA, UEFA and WADA having worked in international sport and regulation for a substantial period.

"Darren has made a significant impact at the IRB and will play a key role in further strengthening The FA's commitment to leading and governing the game with confidence."

Bailey added: "I've worked exclusively in sport and the law for over 12 years and am very much relishing the opportunity of working for football and contributing to the achievement of The FA’s vision."

Building on a football and coaching background, including signing for Chelsea as an associate schoolboy at 14, Darren has continued to pursue his twin interests in sport and the law.

Darren was formerly head of the sports governance and commercial department of a leading sports law firm where he worked across a range of sports and major events before being appointed as the first in-house counsel for the International Rugby Board. There he established the legal department and ultimately became Head of Legal & Legislative Affairs. In rugby, his roles included acting as legal adviser on the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups and drafting and implementing new global regulations.

Darren will work alongside former Director of Governance Jonathan Hall to ensure a smooth transition of regulatory matters. His responsibilities will include The FA's disciplinary, football regulation, regulatory legal advice, financial regulation, doping control and equality & child protection functions.

Jonathan was appointed to the new role of FA Director of Football Services in the summer. This role oversees a new Division established in line with the FA Vision to provide one focal point at executive level within The FA for both professional game and national game matters as well as relations with the domestic English football stakeholders and UEFA and FIFA. The areas within the Football Services Division include football administration, refereeing, registrations, international relations, competitions and national game administration and investment.

In the new role Jonathan will work closely with the two sub-boards of The FA Board, the Professional Game Board and the National Game Board. He has also been appointed as one of The FA nominated trustees of the Football Foundation and The FA's nominated representative on the Football League Trust.

(Source: The FA)