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Written question asked by Diane Abbott (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Stephanie Peacock (Labour) on Friday, 26 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Football: Equality

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the Independent Football Regulator can credibly enforce equality and diversity standards in professional football, in the context of the absence of Black representation on its board.

Answer

We want a national game that reflects the diversity of our communities and ensures clubs truly represent the supporters they serve. However, we recognise there is under-representation of our diverse communities in senior leadership roles across the game.

The Independent Football Regulator’s board members bring skills and experience across football, the media, regulation, law, finance and other industries. We are confident that this balance of regulatory oversight and industry insight allows the IFR to meet its statutory objectives.

The IFR is setting statutory governance requirements on clubs, where they must report on what action they are taking with regard to equality, diversity and inclusion. These are more stringent than those previously set by football bodies.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
10542
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Equality Football Ethnic groups Independent Football Regulator
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk