Stanley played for Exeter City Reserves in goal whilst he was studying at St Luke's College. He also played in goal for Lowestoft, (he was born in East Anglia) and Kirkley, later breaking his wrist, which ended his playing career.

He also trained as a referee, whilst in Exeter, and in 1927, refereed  his first senior game. He went on to referee at the highest level including the 1934 FA Cup. He retired soon after.

He became secretary of the FA in 1934 and served them until 1962. In 1938, he rewrote the "Laws of the Game", these handwritten documents are at the FIFA museum in Switzerland. 

From 1961 to 1974 he was president of FIFA. He was replaced by Joao Havelange, in an election the same year.
He was an active Freemason, a member of Exonian Lodge in London.

Stanley died in, London, of leukaemia in 1986, at the age of 91.