Black Ex-Players’ Perspectives on Football Management’s “All Snakes and No Ladders” Conundrum
A research commissioned by the Black Footballers Partnership (BFP) revealed concerning disparities in career opportunities between black and non-black former football players, particularly in managerial roles, spanning a 30-year period. Conducted by three academics, the study analyzed the off-the-pitch careers of approximately 3,500 ex-footballers who competed in the Premier League or Championship from 1990 to 2010.
The findings unveiled a stark contrast: while black players comprised 25% of Uefa-issued coaching qualifications in 2022 and 2023, they held a mere 4% of all managerial positions during the same period. Delroy Corinaldi, BFP‘s executive director, likened the career trajectory of black former players in football management to a game of “Snakes and Ladders,” emphasizing the lack of upward mobility and systemic barriers faced by this demographic.
Key points highlighted in the report include the observation that black former players encounter fewer managerial opportunities, slower career progression, premature stalling of advancement, and quicker dismissals compared to their non-black counterparts, with no correlation to performance. Shockingly, a black manager is 41% more likely to be terminated than a white manager, even with equivalent performance factors.
Moreover, the research underscored the unequal accumulation of managerial experience, with the average black player accumulating only around half the managerial experience of other former players. Additionally, across all management roles, black individuals face a 17% higher likelihood of dismissal.
Of the surveyed 3,500 players, 73% of black players competed in the Premier League, averaging 62 appearances per player, while 62% of non-black players made top-flight appearances, averaging 49 appearances per player.
The publication of the report coincided with the announcement of the UK government’s intention to establish an independent football regulator through the Football Governance Bill. Former professionals, including Les Ferdinand, Chris Ramsey, Michael Johnson, Ricky Hill, Paul Davis, and Sol Campbell, have echoed Corinaldi’s calls to incorporate diversity and inclusivity objectives into the bill.
They advocate for collaboration with the BFP to comprehend the firsthand experiences of discrimination in football and ensure that black footballers receive the necessary support to navigate through every level of the sport without prejudice or racial discrimination.
Corinaldi emphasized that the report serves as an opportunity for the football community to address systemic inequities and collaborate on sustainable solutions, urging the independent regulator to prioritize racial equity based on the compelling data.
