It is particularly disappointing, given the massive strides that English football has made to combat racism and promote equality of access to the game.

 

English football is a recognised world leader in tackling racism, having been asked by FIFA to lead a debate on this topic at the FIFA Congress in 2001 and having hosted a UEFA conference on racism at Stamford Bridge last year.

 

The FA is one of the founding partners of the Kick It Out campaign and the Chairman of The FA is leading a group aimed at identifying people from all walks of life who can participate in the administration of the game.

 

Racism at English football grounds is widely recognised as having been reduced over the last 20 years and, whilst recognising that there is still much work to be done, The FA has already begun to make use of the tremendous talent that exists in the ethnic communities. It has recently appointed the highly respected Brendon Batson to conduct a major disciplinary review.

 

The IFC has acknowledged that English football leads Europe in promoting diversity.

 

· The FA has a six person dedicated Ethics, Sports Equity and Child Protection Team and launched its Ethics and Sports Equity strategy in 2002, leading to a number of major initiatives aimed at increasing participation among ethnic minorities at all levels of the game. This includes investment by the Football Foundation (co-funded by The FA, The FA Premier League and the Government) of more than £1 million on projects targeting ethnic groups.

 

· In 2003, The FA led an anti-racism campaign, working with the England Team players to highlight this serious issue. The FA works with County FAs and FA Charter Standard clubs to develop equity policies at a local level.