Football Leadership Diversity Code

The FA Football Leadership Diversity Code

Increase equality, diversity, and inclusion in football leadership roles.
Ensure that football better reflects modern society.
Drive measurable change in the hiring of coaches, managers, executives, and staff across clubs and organisations.

The code asks signatories (Premier League, EFL, FA, Women’s Super League & Championship clubs) to commit to:

Hiring Targets (voluntary but measurable):
- Senior Leadership: 15% of new hires from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds; 30% female.
- Team Operations (coaching/technical roles): 25% of new hires BAME; 10% female.
- Senior Coaching Roles (men’s game): 10% of new hires BAME.
- Senior Coaching Roles (women’s game): 50% female; 15% BAME.
Recruitment Principles:
- Commit to inclusive recruitment processes.
- Ensure shortlists include diverse candidates.
- Be transparent about how roles are advertised and filled.
Culture & Education:
- Create inclusive environments in football workplaces.
- Provide equality, diversity, and inclusion training.

Clubs and organisations must submit annual reports on progress.
The FA publishes a yearly summary, showing where progress is being made and where improvements are needed.
While targets are not legally binding, public accountability drives change.

Hundreds of clubs and organisations have signed up.
Early reports show progress in increasing female hires in leadership and technical roles.
The code has become a benchmark for inclusivity in sport, influencing similar initiatives outside football.