FA chairman Geoff Thompson has hailed the vote in favour of reforming the governing body as one of the most important decisions in its history.

From next year, the FA will have an independent chairman and a semi-independent disciplinary body.

Changes to the board should also mean an end to the deadlock between representatives from the professional and amateur games.

The vote yesterday saw 78.5% of the 915 votes cast in favour of the structural review recommended by Lord Burns - just over the 75% figure needed - and represents a personal triumph for Thompson and FA chief executive Brian Barwick.

Thompson, who will be succeeded by the independent chairman when he steps down next year, said: "This is one of the most important days in the FA's 144-year existence.

"The FA is a unique and historic organisation, but we also have to make sure it is a relevant one.

"The structural review was an open and consultative process right from the start, with everyone involved in the game able to provide their views and opinions.

"As a result, there was a lot of healthy debate about the right way forward, but the vote shows the overwhelming support for a more modern, more inclusive FA."

The major changes to the FA's structure will see:

:: two independent members of the FA Board (the chief executive and the independent chairman) with voting rights alongside five representatives from the professional game and five from the national game (down from six each).

:: a semi-autonomous Football Regulatory Authority to govern the game, reporting to its own board, and taking decision on disciplinary matters.

:: an expanded FA Council with added representation for players, managers, referees, women's football, ethnic minorities and disability football, as well as supporters.

:: a re-organisation of the FA's committee structure to streamline decision-making and better define areas of authority.

:: a new funding formula dividing the FA's profits 50-50 between the professional and national games.

The result of the vote was welcomed by sports minister Richard Caborn, as well as the Premier League and the Football League.

Caborn said: "From Sunday league to Premier league, this is an important day for football in England.

"In particular, introducing an independent chair and breaking the decision-making deadlock at board level, will at last give English football a governing body capable of making decisions for the good of the game as a whole."

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore added: "The Premier League has always been very supportive of the Burns' reforms. We are extremely pleased they have been adopted and look forward to working with the FA under the new structures."

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "This shows that the FA is capable of changing to meet new needs."

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