With key legislative developments on the horizon and the extension of Kick It Out’s partnership with Sky Sports, Okafor emphasised the need for action to make the sport more inclusive and accountable.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Okafor highlighted how Kick It Out’s renewed partnership will focus on increasing visibility for anti-discrimination efforts, supporting underrepresented groups, and ensuring that fans, players, and clubs alike play a role in fostering an inclusive football culture. “Football has the power to unite, but too often, discrimination remains a barrier,” he said. “Our work with Sky Sports will continue to push for progress on and off the pitch.”
BREAKING: Sky and Kick it Out have extended their partnership now entering its fifth year pic.twitter.com/EPHQrtCQGH
In his BBC interview, Okafor addressed the ongoing rise in discrimination reports, which increased by 32% during the 2023-24 season. He pointed to a series of high-profile incidents, including Manchester City’s Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw facing racist and misogynistic abuse and Joe Willock being targeted on Instagram, as stark reminders of the scale of the problem. “We’re seeing reports of abuse every week,” he stated. “This is why 2025 has to be the year where football steps up.”
One of the major factors that could drive change is the introduction of new legislative measures, including the Online Safety Act and the Football Governance Bill. The Online Safety Act is set to give regulators more power to hold social media platforms accountable for online abuse, while the Football Governance Bill can protect the heritage and future of football and help unlock new potential so clubs become more successful.
Meanwhile 2025 also has the potential for once-in-a-generation change thanks to mandatory reporting from the FA which will require clubs to share their workforce diversity for the first time.
“This is a huge opportunity to make football a more welcoming and inclusive place,” Okafor said. However, he stressed that legislation alone is not enough, football must also address deep-rooted cultural issues. “Diversity data is one thing, but what clubs do with that data matters more. If their teams and boardrooms don’t reflect their communities, they need to take action.”
With 2025 bringing new tools for accountability and stronger partnerships to push for change, Okafor is clear that this must be a turning point. “We need to ensure this isn’t just another year of reports and statistics. It has to be the year of real, lasting impact.”
Read the full BBC interview here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c3rw0v1y4v4o
