Lord Ouseley challenges successor to ‘stick their head above the parapet’ after stepping down as chairman of Kick It Out

Lord Herman Ouseley has challenged somebody to “stick their head above the parapet” and replace him as chairman of Kick It Out, after announcing he is to step down from football’s anti-discrimination campaign at the end of the season.

Lord Ouseley has spent 25 years leading the organisation, but has finally decided to step aside having been repeatedly convinced to remain in charge. The 73-year-old wants to hand over to a younger campaigner and Kick It Out will be seeking to appoint a replacement in the New Year.

“When I set up Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993, I hoped that the football authorities would take it on board and tackle the problem,” Lord Ouseley said. “It proved to be a long haul with a slow process of change in pursuit of equality, inclusion and cohesion.

“Over the past decade, I have indicated my wish each year to step down from the Chair and move on and hand over the reins to younger equality advocates and campaigners but have always been told that ‘not now, this is the wrong time’ and no-one else has stuck their head above the parapet to lead the organisation.

“Well now is the right time for new leadership of Kick It Out as I re-focus my life for new challenges after 56 years of public service.

“I have thrown challenges at the leaders in football and they need to show their hands – they need to show they are capable of bringing about lasting change if they all come together out of their silos and take a dynamic and coherent approach to meeting the equality challenges.”

‘There is so much to be done’

Lord Ouseley’s announcement comes after football has seen two alleged incidents of racism at high-profile matches within a week; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a banana thrown at him during the north London derby while Raheem Sterling has reported to police that he was called a “f****** black c***” by a Chelsea supporter during Manchester City’s defeat.

“Recent progress across the game in pursuing equalities for all is offset by the wider society afflictions of prejudice and hatred from which football cannot escape,” Lord Ouseley added.

“Kick It Out is well positioned with excellent staff to keep the momentum of activity afloat in helping football to be a powerhouse for equality, inclusion and diversity. It is also well positioned to continue its excellent work in helping to prepare the next generation of players for the diversity of cultures in the game and to handle all inequalities, discrimination and prejudice.

“There is so much to be done before I sign off next year, so onwards with the action while I prepare to hang up my boots.”