Overview

• The Premier League's Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme faced criticism for job adverts specifying eligibility for male coaches of Black, Asian, and mixed heritage backgrounds, and female coaches of all backgrounds, effectively excluding white men.
• Ipswich Town removed its advert after MP Rupert Lowe described it as 'anti-white racism' and called for open applications for all candidates.
• The Premier League acknowledged concerns and updated its recruitment templates to ensure compliance with Equality Act guidance on non-discriminatory hiring practices.
• Legal experts noted that restricting applications to specific groups may contravene the Equality Act, which permits positive action but prohibits outright exclusion based on protected characteristics.
• Since its launch, the scheme has engaged 45 clubs and supported over 80 coaches, with 75 now in professional roles, as part of the Premier League's broader No Room for Racism initiative.