Les Ferdinand: FA diversity code ‘made no difference’ in helping black players get jobs in football

“Loads of players have called me in the past and said this is a line that I would like to go down, can I come in and have a conversation?” Ferdinand says. “Umpteen players have come, or former players have come and said I’d like to get down his line but how do I get through the door?

“They are doing the courses and all the things that they feel they need to help them develop as directors of football or other roles, but are just not being given the opportunity.”

In response, an FA spokesperson said it is “deeply committed to ensuring the diversity of those coaching and leading within English football is truly reflective of our modern society”.

The FA added: “Signatory clubs collectively exceeded diversity targets in hiring senior leadership and men’s club senior coaches, while making progress against targets in other areas.

“Within The FA specifically, our teams – including the FA Board – are increasingly diverse, with 8% of our leadership team, 12% of all employees, 20% of our England men’s coaching staff, and 4% of our England women’s coaching staff coming from Black, Asian, Mixed or Other Ethnic backgrounds. We have been transparent with our data reporting and have set targets to increase representation out to 2024.”

Battersea MP Marsha de Cordova – sister of Fulham forward Bobby Decordova-Reid – is hosting Thursday’s event and said: “I celebrated when the women won the Euros and was proud of the England men’s team at the Euros in 2021, which was the most diverse England men’s football team.

“I want to see football grow and improve. It’s time football partners for meaningful change and allows fans to reap the benefits of diverse leadership off the pitch like they do on it. I believe the reception on Thursday will be a start to achieving this.”