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: 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

Hughton: Possibly the right decision for Norwich, but definitely a disaster for football’s diversity

The decision to sack a manager is always one of the hardest for a football club board. How many matches without a win do we give him (and regrettably it is always ‘him’) before the axe falls? What will the fans’ and players’ reactions be? Who do we get to replace him in the short and… Continue reading Hughton: Possibly the right decision for Norwich, but definitely a disaster for football’s diversity

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

Football: Time for tougher sanctions on fans who discriminate and the clubs that tolerate them?

Channel 4’s Dispatches programme broadcast on Monday evening, which focused on racist, antisemitic, Islamaphobic, and homophobic conduct by fans of a number of English football clubs has inevitably resulted in many friends and colleagues expressing horror about this misbehaviour and the damage it does to the reputation of our national game. Moreover people have turned to… Continue reading Football: Time for tougher sanctions on fans who discriminate and the clubs that tolerate them?

UEFA’s ‘Respect’ must be more than a slogan: time to take action on racism and discrimination

Last night’s racist incidents at the Champion’s League match in Moscow between CSKA and Manchester City bring into sharp focus the need to make UEFA’s ‘Respect’ campaign more than just a slogan. Disciplinary action must be taken against clubs who allow their fans to behave in ways which discriminate against other fans, players, or members… Continue reading UEFA’s ‘Respect’ must be more than a slogan: time to take action on racism and discrimination

Leading increased participation in aquatics – Edward takes the Chair at the ASA

It has just been announced by the Amateur Swimming Association, the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water and Synchronised Swimming, that I have been appointed as non-executive chairman of the ASA Group Board, taking over from John Crowther at the AGM on October 19th. It is a real privilege to… Continue reading Leading increased participation in aquatics – Edward takes the Chair at the ASA

As the FA say goodbye to Hope, now is the time for investment in women’s sport

As I was watching the England women’s cricket team’s spirited efforts in today’s Ashes match at Lord’s, the FA was announcing the departure of Hope Powell, our country’s most prominent woman sport coach. This followed the England team’s poor performance in the recent UEFA European Championships. The departure of Hope Powell brings mixed emotions for… Continue reading As the FA say goodbye to Hope, now is the time for investment in women’s sport

Stephen Fry’s call to arms – why the IOC must act on Russia

I have always had the greatest admiration for Stephen Fry – his talent, his passion, his humanity, his advocacy for equality and for those, like him, who struggle with their mental health. I had the good fortune once to share a long train journey with him and found him to be not only the hugely… Continue reading Stephen Fry’s call to arms – why the IOC must act on Russia