Fulham Football Club is facing growing backlash after advertising a coaching position which explicitly bans white men from applying — sparking fresh concerns about rising anti-white discrimination in English football.
The role, promoted under the Premier League’s Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme (CIDS), is open only to “male coaches from Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage backgrounds” and “female coaches from all backgrounds.” White men need not apply.
The west London club, which plays at Craven Cottage, insists the scheme is aimed at “improving the diversity of football coaches in the professional game” and ensuring coaching staff better “reflect modern Britain.” But critics have slammed the job ad as a “blatant act of anti-white racism.”
Rupert Lowe, reacting online, said: “Are white men also not welcome at Craven Cottage? Should they stop paying for their season tickets?”
A Fulham supporter added: “If this was the other way around, there’d be uproar — and rightly so. I’ve been a Fulham fan for over 30 years, my father and grandfather were fans too. They’d be turning in their graves at this rubbish. They want my money but wouldn’t allow me, or people with my skin colour to coach. Disgusting.”
The role offers a 23-month, full-time contract within Fulham’s Academy, with the club promising the successful candidate will help “some of the most talented young footballers in the country to fulfil their potential.” But unless the applicant fits the racial or gender criteria, they are automatically excluded.
In a statement accompanying the advert, Fulham FC said:
“We, in partnership with the Premier League, are seeking to improve the diversity of football coaches in the professional game, making this area more representative of society and our playing population.”
“We are proud to support the Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme, supporting professional football to better reflect modern Britain.”
The scheme, which is backed by the Premier League and now being rolled out at several clubs, is intended to offer “positive action” to correct historical under-representation in coaching roles. But critics argue it veers into discriminatory territory by using race and sex as a barrier to entry.
Calls are now mounting for the club and the Premier League to explain why such exclusionary policies are deemed acceptable — and whether this aligns with the values of equality and meritocracy long associated with British sport.
A spokesperson for Fulham FC and the Premier League has not yet responded to requests for comment.
