All Premier League fixtures between 19 and 27 October will be dedicated to the No Room For Racism initiative, highlighting the ongoing work the League carries out to tackle discrimination and promote diversity within football.
Over these match rounds, the League and clubs are coming together to celebrate how diversity makes football stronger and reiterating their collective commitment to ensuring everyone feels welcome across all areas of the game.
All 20 Premier League clubs have nominated a "No Room For Racism Icon" to highlight the contribution of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in football and showcase the importance of diversity on and off the pitch.
The Premier League has commissioned artist Kingsley Nebechi to develop illustrations of the club nominees, which will feature across League and club channels, along with a range of content to demonstrate the impact they have made.
An illustration will also be produced to recognise the contribution of former Kick It Out Chair, Lord Herman Ouseley, who passed away earlier this month.
'Improving diversity across football'
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “One of football’s biggest strengths is its ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds together, which has a positive impact on all areas of the game.
“We are proud to celebrate individuals who represent the importance of diversity within football, including trailblazing players and inspirational club employees who set a great example to others day in, day out.
“Through our No Room For Racism Action Plan, we are committed to improving diversity across football and we will continue to work hard to show that any form of discrimination will not be tolerated.”
Rapper Wretch-32 – a lifelong Arsenal fan – has produced a bespoke track which features on a No Room For Racism video showcasing how greatness comes from everywhere.
“Music and football are two of my biggest passions, so to bring them together and write this track in support of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism initiative means a lot to me," Wretch-32 said. "It's more than just a song – it's a statement about unity, equality and the power of community.
“Through music and sport, we have a unique platform to connect with people, inspire change and amplify important conversations about inequality. I’m proud to use my voice to contribute to that.
“The message that greatness comes from everywhere, regardless of where somebody is from or the colour of a person’s skin, is so important – not only in football, but in all walks of life. Too often, people’s potential is judged by outdated stereotypes, and this initiative reminds us that diversity is strength.
“This track is a celebration of that diversity and reinforces the Premier League's zero-tolerance attitude to racism. Football, like music, has the power to break down barriers, and I hope this message resonates with fans and people beyond the sport.”
Ameobi among those honoured
Former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has been nominated by his club to celebrate his contribution on and off the pitch. Having been born and raised close to St James’ Park, he went on to make 294 Premier League appearances for the Magpies. He now works within the Academy as a loan co-ordinator and offers invaluable experience and insight to the club’s community work in his role as Foundation Trustee.
Ameobi is part of the Premier League Black Participants’ Advisory Group, which played a key role in shaping the No Room For Racism Action Plan. This was launched in 2021 to set out a series of commitments aimed at creating greater access to opportunities and career progression for Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups in football, along with actions to eradicate racial prejudice.
"Football has given me an incredible amount of joy over the years, and I was very lucky to represent and score goals for my boyhood club, playing alongside team-mates from all around the world," he said.
“I have seen the power of sport at all levels to unite people and break down barriers. Programmes like No Room For Racism are so important in ensuring there is diversity in all areas of the game, as well as continuing the fight against discrimination.
“I am proud to be one of the ‘No Room For Racism Icons’, who highlight the incredible contribution that people from ethnically diverse backgrounds have had in football over the years. Steps are being taken to improve diversity in many areas and this can only make football stronger.”
Partnership with Chicago Bears
The Premier League recently teamed up with Tottenham Hotspur and NFL team Chicago Bears, who were recently in London for the International Series matches taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Children from a local primary school took part in a No Room For Racism educational event, which saw them given the opportunity to ask questions to Spurs legend Ledley King and former Chicago Bears player Jerry Azumah on the power of diversity and importance of allyship.
Prior to that, the Year 5 pupils had attended workshops using the Premier League’s No Room For Racism education resources, which have been utilised by more than 19,000 primary schools across England and Wales. These resources have been downloaded by more than 15,100 primary school teachers, engaging over 454,000 pupils in classrooms.
“This activity was a great way to mark the Premier League’s No Room For Racism initiative," King said. "It is important as former athletes that we use our voice to promote a more tolerant and inclusive world, and I was delighted to share a platform with Jerry to discuss this topic as well as our own experiences with the students.”
In April, a three-year update on the No Room For Racism Action Plan highlighted the progress being made and work carried out year-round. This includes action against racism, as well as improving pathways for players, coaches and others working in football from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
The ongoing fight against discriminatory abuse, whether it occurs within stadiums or online, remains a priority for the Premier League and clubs. Fans who experience or witness discrimination at matches should contact the nearest steward or police officer, or report it using clubs’ confidential text services, which can be found here.
The League’s specialist investigative team continues to support players, their families and others working within football who are subjected to racism. A reporting system has been made available to clubs to host on their websites and fans can also report any racist abuse they see directed at players or others within the game at premierleague.com/reportracism.
