Stormzy has launched a new initiative called Merky FC which plans to tackle racial inequality within football.
The desire for change and more diversity continues to be paramount in the game, but the figures and statistics still make for damning reading. Several major brands have teamed up with the rapper to get behind his cause with Manchester United, Fulham, Adidas and Sky Sports among them.
Merky FC aims to provide access to a host of multi-year, paid professional roles and opportunities throughout football. The programme will commence in January next year with its partners ready to get involved and offer placements in a variety of sectors.
Stormzy said in an interview with Sky Sports : "The statistics are shocking. I think it's down to visibility a lot. Even growing up we didn't see any black managers, black people on our screens in the media.
"So I think when Ian Wright comes along, Thierry Henry comes along, we know we can kick ball - we've always known we can kick ball - but in terms of the roles and the other positions in the industry we don't see our representation, and representation is important. When you can't see it, it's not always easy to believe it."
Patrick Vieira is currently the only black manager in the Premier League with managerial roles in the football league rarely filled by BAME candidates. Recent figures showed that just 6.7 per cent of senior roles in football are taken by black or mixed heritage individuals.
Stormzy has let rip at those numbers, stating: "That statistic is embarrassing. I don't think it is anything short of embarrassing. If you can see that representation on the pitch with all the players, then it should at least be backed up by people in positions of power, positions of influence outside of being an actual footballer. Hopefully with what we're doing we can drive a change."
The launch of Merky FC also comes amid the Football Association's second annual report on the Football Leadership Diversity Code which highlighted how English clubs are failing to meet six out of eight pledged targets. It found that a disappointing trend occurred in terms of coaches hired by men's clubs with 15.6 per cent from Black, Asian or mixed heritage background, below the 25 per cent aim
"The Premier League fully supports the Football Leadership Diversity Code as we collectively work to achieve greater diversity across all areas of the game," chief executive Richard Masters said. "Over the past two years, the code has represented an important commitment from across football to tackle inequality and create long-term change."
