Kick It Out chair Bhandari to step down from role

Sanjay Bhandari will conclude his tenure as chair of Kick It Out at the end of the 2026-27 season, marking the end of his leadership at English football's leading equality and inclusion organization. Bhandari's departure comes after several years steering the anti-discrimination charity through significant challenges facing the sport, including ongoing issues with racist abuse in stadiums and online platforms. His decision to announce the transition date well in advance provides the organization with adequate time to identify and prepare his successor for the critical role.

Kick It Out has operated since 1993, establishing itself as a cornerstone institution in combating discrimination across all levels of English football. Under Bhandari's leadership, the organization has continued advocating for equality across professional leagues including the Premier League, EFL, and grassroots competitions, while addressing systemic issues affecting players, staff, and supporters from underrepresented communities. The charity has managed numerous high-profile cases of discriminatory conduct, working closely with football authorities to enforce sanctions and implement preventative measures. Bhandari's time in the role has encompassed periods of heightened visibility for equality issues within the sport, particularly following international incidents of racial abuse.

The organization now faces the task of recruiting a successor capable of advancing its equality agenda as football continues evolving its approach to discrimination. Kick It Out's influence extends across all professional tiers of English football, with member clubs required to engage with the charity's guidelines and reporting mechanisms. The transition period until summer 2027 allows the board adequate opportunity to identify a leader who can maintain the organization's momentum in addressing discrimination while navigating emerging challenges in digital spaces where abuse increasingly occurs. Bhandari's planned exit reflects a structured succession approach, ensuring continuity in the charity's mission during a period when equality initiatives remain central to football's broader governance discussions.