Premier League clubs this week reiterated their determination to tackle discrimination in football.
Discussing the issue at the annual shareholders’ meeting in Harrogate, clubs recognised that progress has been made over recent years to promote inclusion and diversity in football, but there is still plenty of work to be done.
The Premier League provided an update on work being carried out to improve sanctioning regimes and discussions with the police and the CPS to ensure that, when appropriate, statutory authorities take cases forward.
There are also extensive plans to address discrimination in the game next season, including:
- Developing No Room for Racism and Rainbow Laces work.
- Enhancing and expanding the League’s existing BAME elite coaching programme to provide more coaches with a pathway into professional football.
- Working with the PFA and EFL to create and jointly deliver a player-to-coach programme specifically for BAME professional footballers. This would include high quality training courses and built-in work placements.
- Extending a trial which aims to improve co-ordination between police and stewards.
- Meeting with social media companies and Government to discuss online abuse and calling for more effective regulation in this area.
The Premier League will continue its long-term support for Kick It Out and the Raise Your Game initiative, while the Equality Standard will be developed further, which helps to ensure all clubs deliver inclusive policies.