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Appointing a black man or woman as the next president of the Football Association would be a big step forward, says England defender Tyrone Mings.
Greg clarke resigned on Tuesday after using “unacceptable” language when referring to black players.
“We are not necessarily asking for the next president or boss to be black,” said Aston Villa’s Mings.
“What we are asking for is equal opportunities for black and white people, or ethnic minorities.”
Clarke said his comments, made in front of a select government committee, were a “disservice to our game.”
He was also criticized for comments he made referring to gay players making a “life decision” and a coach who told him that young players did not like being hit hard by the ball.
Mings was involved in the creation of the FA Soccer Leadership Diversity Code, which was released in October.
When asked what it would mean to have a black man or woman as president, Mings said, “Of course it would be a big step. It would be everything a lot of people have worked for.
“So we don’t necessarily ask for it as a sign of ‘we’ve done it now’ or ‘this is what we’re fighting for.’
“What we are really asking for is equal opportunities and that everyone have a fair blow of the whip.”
Mings added that Clarke’s comments showed that there is still “a long way to go” in addressing equality and diversity.
“Absolutely, the goal is to have more representation at the managerial and training levels,” Mings said.
“I think that is what we are trying to create with the code and I think that is what will give us real and lasting change.
“It doesn’t make sense to put someone there, fail and then say, ‘Oh, we tried.’ It’s about how we can improve the process.”
England will play the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland from November 12-18.
