Tony Burnett, the chief executive of Kick It Out, stated that the latest proposals for an independent football regulator lack sufficient focus on diversity. According to The Guardian, Burnett expressed concern that equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have been placed on the subs bench. The group argues that the regulator must have a clear mandate to enforce standards regarding minority representation in leadership roles.
The Football Governance Bill aims to ensure the financial sustainability of clubs and prevent the formation of breakaway leagues. However, Kick It Out claims the current draft does not include enough specific requirements for clubs to report on diversity data. Sky Sports reports that the body wants the regulator to have the power to penalise clubs that fail to meet EDI targets.
Burnett believes that financial stability and social responsibility should be linked within the new framework. The organisation has called on the government to strengthen the bill before it passes into law. It remains unclear if the regulator will receive additional powers to oversee these social issues.
