Challenges Faced by Black Managers: Navigating a Snake-laden Path
In a recent report commissioned by the Black Footballers Partnership (BFP), it has been revealed that black players are 50% less likely to enter management positions compared to their non-black counterparts. The research, conducted by three academics, analyzed the off-the-pitch careers of approximately 3,500 former footballers who played in the Premier League or Championship between 1990 and 2010.
The findings are alarming, highlighting the significant disparities faced by black players when it comes to managerial roles. Despite making up 25% of UEFA-issued coaching qualifications in 2022 and 2023, black players only accounted for a mere 4% of all managerial positions. Delroy Corinaldi, the executive director of BFP, aptly described a career in football management for black former players as a relentless game of “Snakes and Ladders” where the path is filled with obstacles.
The report revealed that black former players not only receive fewer opportunities for management roles but also experience slower promotion, earlier career plateaus, and quicker terminations compared to their non-black counterparts. Shockingly, these disadvantages are not correlated to performance. The average black player accumulates only half the managerial experience of other former players, and a black manager is 41% more likely to be fired than a white manager, even when performance factors are equal. Furthermore, across all management roles, a black person is 17% more likely to be fired.
Out of the 3,500 players included in the research, 73% of black players played in the Premier League, averaging 62 appearances per player. On the other hand, 62% of non-black players appeared in the top-flight, with an average of 49 appearances. These statistics highlight the significant underrepresentation of black players in managerial positions, despite their notable presence on the field.
Delroy Corinaldi expressed his concern over the findings, stating that black footballers have become the “lost generation” off the pitch, despite their success on it. In response to the report, former professionals such as Les Ferdinand, Chris Ramsey, Michael Johnson, Ricky Hill, Paul Davis, and Sol Campbell have joined Corinaldi’s calls to include diversity and inclusivity objectives in the upcoming Football Governance Bill. They have emphasized the need for football stakeholders to collaborate with BFP in order to gain a deeper understanding of the discrimination experienced by black footballers and to provide the necessary support for their progression through every level of the game.
The report’s publication coincides with the announcement that the UK government will establish an independent football regulator when the Football Governance Bill is introduced in Parliament. This development presents an opportunity for the game to address racial equity and work towards sustainable solutions. Corinaldi stressed that if the independent regulator fails to address racial equity based on the data presented in the report, it would be a missed opportunity for change.
The challenges faced by black managers in football are undeniable. The lack of representation and the disparities in opportunities and treatment cannot be ignored. It is imperative for the game to take a step forward, prioritize diversity and inclusivity, and create a level playing field for all aspiring managers, regardless of their race or background.
The ball is now in the court of football stakeholders and authorities to work hand in hand with organizations like BFP to effect meaningful change within the industry. By doing so, they can ensure that future generations of black players have equal opportunities to thrive in managerial roles, free from prejudice and racial discrimination. The time for action is now.