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Challenging Discrimination in Football: A Guide for Clubs

Football should be a game where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to participate, develop and enjoy the sport, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances.

The FAW is committed to tackling discrimination and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion at every level of the game. However, discrimination continues to affect individuals, teams, Clubs and communities across football. It can take many forms, from discriminatory language, stereotyping and exclusion to harassment, abuse and discriminatory behaviour on and off the pitch, including online.

Tackling discrimination requires a collective and proactive approach. While it is important to respond appropriately when incidents occur, we must also work to prevent discrimination by raising awareness, challenging harmful attitudes, setting clear expectations and creating environments where everyone feels safe and confident to speak up.

This Challenging Discrimination in Football Guide for Clubs has been developed to help Clubs and everyone involved in Welsh football recognise discrimination, understand its impact and take appropriate action. It provides practical guidance on responding to incidents, reporting concerns, supporting those affected and understanding the FAW Discrimination Regulations, including the FIFA three-step procedure for discriminatory crowd abuse.

Every person involved in football has a role to play in challenging discrimination. Clubs, players, coaches, referees, officials, volunteers, parents and supporters can all help create a culture where discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated, and everyone understands their responsibility to promote respect and inclusion.

By working together, we can help make football in Wales a game for everyone, everywhere, where people feel valued, have equal opportunities to participate and can enjoy the game free from discrimination.

This resource will help you to:

• Take practical steps to create a more inclusive Club environment.
• Recognise different forms of discrimination and discriminatory behaviour.
• Understand the impact of language, stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes.
• Respond appropriately when discrimination occurs.
• Know how and where to report an incident.
• Understand the FAW Discrimination Regulations.
• Understand the FIFA three-step procedure for discriminatory crowd abuse.
• Support people affected by discrimination.
• Access education, guidance and support.
• Use football as a platform for positive social change.