Sanjay Bhandari, who has been at the helm of the anti‑discrimination charity Kick It Out since 2019, announced that he will vacate the chairmanship when the 2026/27 football season concludes. After more than seven years of service, Bhandari will hand over the reins to a successor who will be selected through a formal recruitment process slated to finish by December 2026, with the new chair officially assuming the role on 1 July 2027. During his tenure, Bhandari oversaw a sweeping transformation of the organisation. He guided Kick It Out toward greater financial independence, introduced robust governance structures, and oversaw the replacement of the entire board and senior leadership team.
The charity also adopted a fresh internal structure that better aligned its various programmes and initiatives. One of the most visible milestones of his chairmanship was the launch of the five‑year "Football United" strategy last year. The plan is deliberately designed to unite governing bodies, clubs, players, supporters, community groups and commercial partners around a shared vision of lasting change in the sport. In 2024, Samuel Okafor was appointed chief executive, further strengthening the organisation’s leadership.
Speaking about his departure, Bhandari said, "It has been a tremendous honour to chair Kick It Out. Our 'Football United' strategy is deliberately built on a vision of bringing together governing bodies, clubs, players, supporters, communities and partners to create lasting change. In a world that often feels increasingly negative and divided, we are consciously seeking to strike a different tone. The new chair will play a pivotal role in helping Kick It Out deliver that vision, by leading an experienced and committed Board, and working closely with our chief executive to represent an organisation that has become one of the most respected voices for equality and inclusion in sport.
This is a unique opportunity for someone who believes in the power of football to bring people together and who wants to help shape the future of the nation's game." Bhandari’s contributions have been recognised at the national level; he was awarded an MBE in 2024 for his services to football through his work with the charity, which was founded in 1993. The honour underscores the impact of his leadership on both the sport and broader society.
The transition plan calls for the incoming chair to work alongside Bhandari for the remainder of the 2026/27 season, ensuring continuity and a smooth hand‑over. The successor will inherit a role that sits at the intersection of policy advocacy, education, and direct support for victims of discrimination.
While progress has been made, significant challenges remain in making football more inclusive and representative, both on the pitch and in the boardrooms. Kick It Out has cemented its reputation as a leading advocate for policy change, collaborating with the UK government, regulators and the sport’s governing bodies—including the Premier League, the English Football League, the Football Association and the Professional Footballers' Association.
The charity’s influence extends to shaping legislation, influencing club policies and driving cultural shifts within the game. Beyond advocacy, Kick It Out delivers a suite of education programmes aimed at fans, club academies and online audiences. Its "Raise Your Game" initiative provides development opportunities for individuals seeking careers in sport, while the organisation’s discrimination‑reporting service continues to be a vital tool for documenting and responding to abuse. Recent data shows that reports of misconduct are rising, highlighting the ongoing need for robust intervention.
The charity has also broadened its reach through strategic partnerships. A notable collaboration with Guinness 0.0 has resulted in the training of around 4,000 staff members across 900 Greene King sports bars in England, Scotland and Wales, equipping them to recognise and confront discriminatory behaviour. Additional alliances with Sky, McDonald’s Fun Football, Visit Tampa Bay and the Morrisons Foundation are set to expand Kick It Out’s educational and inclusion programmes as part of its long‑term strategy extending to 2030.
Looking ahead, the new chair will be tasked with sustaining momentum, scaling successful programmes, and navigating the complex landscape of modern football where issues of racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of prejudice persist. The role will also involve stewarding the charity’s growing portfolio of partnerships and ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively to maximise impact.
In summary, Sanjay Bhandari’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for Kick It Out, but also the beginning of a new chapter that promises continued advocacy, education and support for a more inclusive sport. The organisation remains committed to its mission of eradicating discrimination and fostering equality across all levels of football, and the forthcoming leadership transition is designed to preserve that commitment while injecting fresh energy and perspective into its work.