Sanjay Bhandari will step down as chair of the anti-racism organization Kick It Out at the end of the 2026-27 season [3].
As the leader of the UK's primary body fighting discrimination in football, Bhandari's departure marks a transition for an organization tasked with policing racial abuse in the sport.
Bhandari has served as the chair for seven years [2]. He was first appointed to the position in 2019 [1]. His tenure has spanned a period of significant scrutiny regarding the prevalence of racism within professional football leagues across the United Kingdom.
Reports said Bhandari will remain in his role until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season [3]. This timeline allows the organization to maintain leadership stability through the current cycle of anti-discrimination campaigns.
Kick It Out operates as a critical liaison between players, clubs, and governing bodies to implement educational programs and reporting mechanisms for hate speech. The organization focuses on reducing discrimination in all its forms, including racism, homophobia, and antisemitism, within the football pyramid.
While the organization has not yet named a successor, the transition comes after nearly a decade of leadership under Bhandari. The body continues to work with the Football Association and various professional leagues to enforce sanctions against those found guilty of discriminatory behavior.
“Sanjay Bhandari will step down as chair of the anti-racism organization Kick It Out”
The departure of a long-term leader at Kick It Out suggests a potential shift in strategy for the UK's most prominent anti-racism body in sports. Because Bhandari has led the organization since 2019, his successor will likely be tasked with evolving the body's approach to tackling systemic racism as the sport faces increasing pressure for more effective sanctions and preventative measures.
