Inclusion in Football: Fans must demand better of the FA

On the eve of one of the most important days in the history of women’s football in England, the game’s governing body is yet again mired in a discrimination related scandal. A Championship club chairman is facing an investigation for making racist and antisemitic statements whilst defending his decision to appoint Malky Mackay, a manager… Continue reading Inclusion in Football: Fans must demand better of the FA

FA dismissal: Edward Lord will still lead the way in UK sport

Letter of support which appeared in the Daily Telegraph on 23 September 2014 following my removal from the FA Inclusion Advisory Board. My thanks go to all those who signed it.  SIR – Having known and worked with Edward Lord, the inclusion adviser dismissed by the Football Association last week, we are surprised by the FA’s… Continue reading FA dismissal: Edward Lord will still lead the way in UK sport

Promoting Inclusion in Football: My response to The FA IAB Statement

I am mystified and shocked by the FA’s vituperative statement regarding my removal from its Inclusion Advisory Board, which seems to impugn my personal integrity. As an experienced non-executive director, I have always sought to work in an open and collaborative way with my colleagues both within the FA and beyond. To say otherwise is… Continue reading Promoting Inclusion in Football: My response to The FA IAB Statement

Promoting Inclusion in Football, a statement by Edward Lord

Responding to a demand that he stand down from the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board following his recent interview with the Daily Telegraph, Edward has issued the following statement: The Football Association should welcome constructive criticism rather than try to silence it. There is no point in appointing external independent advisers and then gagging them from… Continue reading Promoting Inclusion in Football, a statement by Edward Lord

Equal in Soccer? As the World Cup reaches its climax, the diversity challenge facing the world’s most popular sport

Originally published on 11 July 2014 by San Francisco based Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, the world’s largest nonprofit organization specifically dedicated to creating safe and equitable workplaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. By Edward Lord, member of the English Football Association’s Inclusion Board Association Football (or soccer) is the world’s favourite sport, played by more… Continue reading Equal in Soccer? As the World Cup reaches its climax, the diversity challenge facing the world’s most popular sport

Sexism in Football: Scudamore apology ‘insincere’ and ‘unsustainable’ – is his position now untenable?

In his column in today’s Daily Mail, Charlie Sale reveals not only the names of the other dramatis personae in the Scudamore email saga, but also exposes the text of a message the premier league chief executive sent to his club chairs last Saturday warning them of the forthcoming Sunday Mirror story. In his note to… Continue reading Sexism in Football: Scudamore apology ‘insincere’ and ‘unsustainable’ – is his position now untenable?

Sexism in Football: Dyke and Fry – what action are you going to take on Scudamore?

As a follow-up on my blog post, I have now written an open letter to the Chairmen of the FA and the Premier League asking what action they are going to take regarding Richard Scudamore’s emails which he has accepted were “inappropriate”.   Greg Dyke Esq. Chairman The Football Association   Anthony Fry Esq. Chairman… Continue reading Sexism in Football: Dyke and Fry – what action are you going to take on Scudamore?

Sexism in Football: “Should Scudamore face FA charges?” asks Inclusion Board Member

This morning’s Sunday Mirror revealed shocking remarks made by Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League and arguably English football’s most powerful leader. Scudamore’s private emails contain a series of totally inappropriate comments about female colleagues and other women which appear to completely undermine his credibility as an advocate for women’s football and draw into question… Continue reading Sexism in Football: “Should Scudamore face FA charges?” asks Inclusion Board Member

Another victory for the Lionesses, yet still women’s football remains vastly undervalued

Yesterday – Saturday 5 April 2014 – I had the privilege of watching England beat Montenegro 9-0 in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at Brighton’s Amex Community Stadium. It was an exceptional match, full of entertaining and skillful football, played in a spirit of friendship and good humour. Despite the appearance of the scoreline,… Continue reading Another victory for the Lionesses, yet still women’s football remains vastly undervalued

See It. Hear It. Report It. FA films help rid football of discrimination.

We all want to feel welcome and safe at football matches, whether we are on the pitch, in the dugout, or in the stands. Anti-LGBT discrimination, be it ‘banter’ between players and coaches or more blatant chanting from spectators can often lead to us feeling uncomfortable or even threatened. As an FA disciplinary chair and… Continue reading See It. Hear It. Report It. FA films help rid football of discrimination.