Sanjay Bhandari becomes chairman after seven years

Sanjay Bhandari becomes chairman after seven years

According to Skysports.

Background

Sanjay Bhandari has led Kick It Out since 2019, initiating significant changes in the organization. His successor will be crucial to continue progress in governance and financial independence and to successfully implement the new strategy.

Why this is important

Sanjay Bhandari's resignation after seven years as chairman of Kick It Out marks a significant turning point for the organization. Under his leadership, financial independence was strengthened and a new strategy was introduced aimed at promoting equality and inclusion in football. This is particularly relevant given the upcoming challenges presented by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the organization aims to remain a respected voice in sport.

Key findings

• Sanjay Bhandari becomes chairman after seven years.
• Sanjay Bhandari will step down as chairman of Kick It Out at the end of the 2026/27 season after leading significant changes within the organization, including improved governance and the introduction of a new strategy.
• Kick It Out: Sanjay Bhandari to step down as chair after seven years in role at the end of the season | Football News | .

Sanjay Bhandari, who has served as chairman of Kick It Out since 2019, will leave his position at the end of the 2026/27 season. In his more than seven years in office, Bhandari has led a significant transformation of the organization. These include improving financial independence, replacing the entire board of directors and introducing a new team structure. Last year, Kick It Out launched its new five-year strategy called 'Football United', which aims to bring together different stakeholders in football - from associations to clubs to players and fans - to achieve lasting change. Bhandari said it was a great honor to lead Kick It Out and that the strategy was designed to make a positive difference in a world that often seems negative and divided. The new Chair will play a critical role in delivering Kick It Out's vision, working with an experienced and committed Board and working closely with the Executive Director. This is done in the hope that the organization remains a respected voice 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 shape the future of the game," Bhandari said. In 2024 Bhandari was awarded an MBE for his services to football. Kick It Out will now begin a formal recruitment process to identify a preferred candidate by the end of December 2026. The new chairman is expected to work alongside Bhandari throughout the remainder of the 2026/27 season to ensure a smooth transition before officially taking over the position on July 1, 2027. The future chairman will face challenges to make football more inclusive and representative, both on and off the pitch, and to combat discrimination. Kick It Out has established itself as a leading voice for policy change, working with government, regulators and football associations including the Premier League, EFL, FA and PFA. The organization also offers fan education programs, club academies and online training, while its Raise Your Game program provides development opportunities. Kick It Out's Discrimination Reporting Center remains an important part of its work as reports of abuse continue to rise. The organization has also expanded its reach through a partnership with Guinness 0.0, which has trained 4,000 employees to identify and combat discrimination in 900 Greene King Sports Bars across England, Scotland and Wales. Kick It Out is working with partners including Sky, McDonald's Fun Football, Visit Tampa Bay and the Morrisons Foundation to seek further growth in their education and inclusion programs as part of their 2030 strategy.

What happens next

Following Bhandari's resignation, a new chairman is being sought to carry forward Kick It Out's vision. He will work closely with the managing director and a newly formed board to implement the 'Football United' strategy. The organization plans to consolidate its role as a voice for equality and inclusion in football, particularly in view of FIFA 2026 and the global challenges it poses.

Frequently asked questions

What is the reason for Sanjay Bhandari's resignation as Chairman of Kick It Out?

Sanjay Bhandari will leave his position at the end of the 2026/27 season after leading the organization for more than seven years.

When will Sanjay Bhandari resign?

Sanjay Bhandari will join at the end of the 2026/27 season resign.

What has Sanjay Bhandari achieved during his tenure at Kick It Out?

He has led a significant transformation of the organization, including improving financial independence and replacing the entire Board of Directors.

Who will succeed Sanjay Bhandari as Chairman of Kick It Out?

Kick It Out will initiate a formal recruitment process to identify a preferred candidate by the end of December 2026.

Why is the new 'Football United' strategy important?

The strategy aims to bring together different players in football to achieve sustainable change and make a positive difference in an often negative and divided world.

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