Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has claimed that black managers do not have the same opportunities as the rest in the world of football.
“There is a lack of opportunity there. There is a lack of connection from black players to connect ourselves a little bit more with people who are making the decisions.” Viera said.
“But overall I believe that the doors are not open for us to do what we can do and to go into management. When I talk about management I’m talking about the team, but I’m also talking about the higher level as well.”
“We need to be given more opportunities to show that we are as good as anybody else.” Viera added.
According to a report, only 4.4% of managers are black, compared to 43% of Premier League and 34% of EFL players who are black.
“We are as good as anybody else. And we need to have no more or less opportunity than anybody else.” Viera said.
“When you are looking at the top five leagues in the world and you’re looking at the number of black coaches you have in the first or second division, it is not enough.” he added.
While The Black Footballers Partnership reported, only 1.6% of football’s executive, leadership, and ownership positions are held by black people, while 14% of those with the highest coaching credentials, a Uefa pro license are black.
The FA is absolutely committed, to ensuring that the diversity of those coaching and leading in English football truly reflects football modern society.
“Signatory clubs collectively exceeded diversity targets in hiring senior leadership and men’s club senior coaches, while making progress against targets in other areas.” the FA said in a statement.
“Within the FA specifically, our teams, including the FA board, are increasingly diverse, with 8% of our leadership team, 12% of all employees, 20% of our England men’s coaching staff, and 4% of our England women’s coaching staff coming from Black, Asian, Mixed or Other Ethnic backgrounds.” the FA added.
