England's Football Association seemed to have reacted to the criticism by the FIFA by appointing on Tuesday Brendon Batson to accelerate the FA's disciplinary process.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter slammed on Monday the FA's slow speed over the Rio Ferdinand doping case and for failing to implement immediate suspensions for red cards on the pitch.

The FA said on Tuesday that Batson, a former player and deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, will be in charge of the disciplinary review.

Batson will be involved in a series of regular meetings over the course of the season, involving leagues, players, managers, referees, administrators and supporters at various levels of the game, said the FA.

And rule changes will be introduced next season to speed up the disciplinary process, according to the FA.

Ferdinand has been charged by the FA with misconduct for his " failure or refusal to " take a drugs test on September 23.

The England defender has until Wednesday to respond to the charge, with his case unlikely to be heard before December.

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