The Football Association is beginning its search for a new chairman following the resignation of Greg Clarke over "harmful, archaic" and "deeply offensive" remarks.

Peter McCormick, chairman of the FA's professional game board, has been named interim chairman after Clarke stepped down amid a storm of criticism.

The 63-year-old apologised after he used the word "coloured" to describe black players and insinuated that being gay was a "life choice".

His comments, over a video link before a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, were branded "harmful", "archaic" and "deeply offensive" by a host of anti-discrimination groups.

Clarke was also condemned for saying that black and South Asian people had "different career interests" from each other, and drew complaints for saying a women's coach had told him that the lack of women's goalkeepers was due to girls not liking the ball being kicked at them.

The FA announced Clarke's resignation early on Tuesday evening and Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari welcomed the swift action taken.

Football v Homophobia said: "The idea that being gay is a life choice is an outdated concept that many people will find deeply offensive.

"There are some people who will use a statement like this from the FA chairman as a way to prop up their homophobia."

Former DCMS committee chair Damian Collins hopes Clarke's resignation will bring about some much-needed change at the governing body.

Collins said on Twitter: "Greg Clarke's departure as FA chairman should be a moment for fundamental reform of the governance of football in England.

"We need a body that shows real leadership on player development and welfare, fan engagement, inclusion and financial sustainability."