Sanjay Bhandari Steps Down as Kick It Out Chair in 2027

Sanjay Bhandari will bring his time as Kick It Out chair to a close at the end of the 2026-27 campaign, drawing a line under more than seven years at the head of English football’s leading anti-discrimination body.

Appointed in 2019, Bhandari has presided over a period of significant change for the organisation, which was founded in 1993 and has become a central voice in the fight for equality and inclusion across the game. His work was recognised in 2024 when he received an MBE for services to football.

“Our ‘Football United’ strategy is deliberately built on a vision of bringing together governing bodies, clubs, players, supporters, communities and partners to create lasting change,” he said in a statement, stressing the need to challenge the increasingly “negative and divided” mood that often surrounds public life.

He framed Kick It Out’s approach as an attempt to set a different tone, one rooted in collaboration rather than conflict, and pointed to the importance of the next leadership step.

“The new chair will play a pivotal role in helping Kick It Out deliver that vision, by leading an experienced and committed board, and working closely with our chief executive to represent an organisation that has become one of the most respected voices for equality and inclusion in sport.”

Bhandari’s tenure has been marked by a structural overhaul. He has overseen a shift towards greater financial independence and stronger governance, the appointment of an entirely new board and leadership team, and the introduction of a refreshed internal structure designed to sharpen the charity’s impact.

Kick It Out will now start the recruitment process for his successor, with the aim of identifying a preferred candidate by the end of December. The incoming chair is expected to work alongside Bhandari through to the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, before formally taking over on 1 July 2027 — a carefully managed handover at a time when the game’s battles over equality and inclusion show no sign of easing.