The Football Association (FA) has announced that chief executive Brian Barwick will step down from his position at the end of the year.

Barwick, former controller of ITV Sport, was appointed by the FA in January 2005 to replace predecessor Mark Palios.

It has been reported that the decision is due to a disagreement between Barwick and FA chair, Lord Triesman, over how English football's national governing body should move forward.

In a statement issued by the FA, Barwick said: "This decision follows several weeks of discussions with FA chair Lord Triesman on the role of the chief executive within the new FA structure."

Since taking over as chief executive, Barwick has overseen the opening of the new Wembley Stadium as was responsible for hiring both Steve McLaren and Fabio Capello as England manager.

"We have achieved a lot over the past three and a half years: opening the new Wembley stadium, implementing the structural review and increasing our broadcast and commercial contracts to record income levels," said Barwick.

"The organisation is in better financial health than ever before, and I am also delighted to have seen the recent launch of the Respect programme."