The English Football Association FA has announced measures to increase diversity. Among other things, by 2028 at least 25 percent, and if possible 30 percent, of coaches from U17 to men should be non-white.
By 2028, 60 percent of the coaches for women’s teams should be women. Instead of the current four percent, 15 percent should have a diverse background and be non-white.
“Tackling discrimination is one of our core objectives,” said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. “Therefore, we will continue to unite football to address this social problem.” The goal is positive and lasting change.
43 percent of Premier League players are black
At the start of the season, the association made it mandatory for professional clubs in the English league to provide information about the diversity of their workforce. The trigger was criticism from the Black Footballers Partnership over the filling of the national coaching position after Gareth Southgate resigned. Accordingly, no British coaches who were not white were considered for the position. Last season, 43 percent of Premier League players were black – but this was not reflected in the coaching positions.
In addition to the quotas for coaches, diversity should also be promoted among referees. The association also wants to employ more women and people with different backgrounds and skin colors in its own workforce. At the same time, the FA announced that the teams were now more diverse at player level than ever before.
