English football is in need of "big changes" and "urgent reform" in order to address debt problems and to secure the sport's future, according to a House of Commons committee.

In a new report, the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee has identified the Football Association (FA) as most appropriate to lead efforts to address the sport's weaknesses. However, the committee also said that the FA would have to undergo "urgent reform" itself in order to enable it to undertake its role effectively and meet football's future challenges.

Among the recommendations set out by committee was the removal of the football creditors rule and the introduction of a "rigorous" licensing model across the professional game. Meanwhile, the FA has been called to review expenditure at grassroots level, with a specific focus on coaching development, while also reforming its internal structure.

CMS committee chair John Whittingdale said: "The FA is the organisation for the job, but it has some way to go getting its own house in order before it can tackle the problems in the English game, and address the future. "Almost all our recommendations could be achieved without legislation, through co-operation and agreement between the football authorities, and we urge them to respond positively with an agreed strategy and timetable for change."