Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has warned the Football Association (FA) that it could face a significant funding cut if it failed to implement reforms put forward in the 2005 Burns Report.

The recommendations, outlined four years ago by Lord Burns' structural review of the national governing body, included the appointment of two non-executive, independent directors in order to break-up the 'old guard' of the FA Council. However, Sutcliffe told the Guardian newspaper that the FA has failed to act fast enough to implement the changes and could now face a £25m cut in grassroots funding from Sport England and the withdrawal of political support.

Sutcliffe told the newspaper: "Funding is one lever we've got. It would be a last resort. But there has to be, and there already is, a recognition that the status quo is not good enough. "[The FA must] use this opportunity - where good progress has been made - to put its house in order. If that doesn't happen the influence of the FA will diminish and football as a sport will suffer.

The minister has also written to FA chair Lord Triesman, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and Football League chair Lord Mawhinney in a bid to encourage the three organisations to work more closely together. A spokesperson for the FA said: "We are looking forward to receiving the letter and studying it carefully. The issues raised by the original questions and the minister's response represent important challenges to the game at all levels.

"They merit careful thought and a proper response with football working together in partnership."