Reform UK has been accused of attempting to inject “toxic politics” into English football after the party pressed the Football Association (FA) to scrap its diversity and inclusion policies. Suella Braverman, the party’s equalities spokesperson and former home secretary, wrote to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham on Tuesday, describing the FA’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy as “utter woke nonsense” and “inherently racist”.
Under the FA’s EDI strategy for 2024–2028, the governing body aims for 30% of England men’s coaching staff to be from ethnically diverse backgrounds by 2028. Braverman argued that this approach “divides rather than unites” and claimed that white working-class boys are “the most disadvantaged in the country” yet are “absent from your strategy”. She urged the FA to abandon the policies, warning they would “increase resentment”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy responded by telling the Guardian: “Reform should keep their toxic politics out of our national game. Sport belongs to everyone in our country. It unites us and brings us together, which is exactly why Reform has such a problem with it.” Former Conservative sports minister Dame Tracey Crouch also defended the FA, stating that “sport has long been a vehicle to drive inclusion and community cohesion”.
The FA defended its EDI strategy in a statement on Tuesday night, saying it aims to “ensure the game reflects the full diversity of our nation” and “open up pathways and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds”. A spokesperson added: “While we will always take a meritocratic approach by appointing the best people for roles, we also recognise the importance of having a broader range of participants across the sport.”
The attack on the FA coincided with a backlash from Ipswich Town fans after party leader Nigel Farage staged a photo opportunity at Portman Road. Supporters expressed disgust, with one describing it as “PR suicide for a family club”. Ipswich Town issued a statement saying the club “remains apolitical and does not support or endorse any individual or party”.
