Merseyside firm Mace & Jones has been appointed to advise the Football Association (FA) on employment matters

The panel appointment, which follows an extensive bidding process, will see Mace & Jones' five-partner employment team advising the FA until 31 May, 2010.

In addition Mace & Jones will also advise on employment matters relating to Wembley Stadium, the National Football Centre and the World Cup 2018 bid.

Commenting on the appointment, employment chief Martin Edwards said: "It's very exciting. We have had a national client base for many years but this will highlight our employment capabilities."

He added: "We are excited by the prospect of acting for one of the most high-profile and significant employers in the country."

The firm will work alongside the human resources and in-house teams at the FA.

Alistair Maclean, head of legal and business affairs at the FA, said: "The FA and its subsidiary companies are in an exciting phase of change as we integrate and move to Wembley Stadium. I believe that Mace & Jones is well equipped to assist us in the integration and relocation process."

The appointment is part of a wider panel review the FA is conducting with other external legal advisers still to be confirmed.

Other recent appointments for Mace & Jones include a contract advising the Health & Safety Executive.