ITV's head of sport quits

ITV's head of sport Brian Barwick has quit the network to take the top job at the Football Association, it was confirmed today.

Barwick, who has been with ITV since 1998, will begin his new role as CEO of the FA on January 31, 2005.

"It has been a momentous day for me personally. I am looking forward to taking up the challenge of leading The FA into their next era," he said today. "I must place on record sincere thanks to my colleagues at ITV for their support and understanding during this period."

ITV's programming director Nigel Pickard paid tribute to Barwick for his "immense contribution" to sport on the network. "We're incredibly sorry to lose Brian but for a football man, this offer was too good to turn down," he said. "Brian has made an immense contribution to ITV Sport since joining in 1998, He has been instrumental in securing major world and domestic events and will be much missed at the network."

Former Sky executive Mark Sharman is thought to be the top contender for Barwick's replacement.