The Premier League has found itself embroiled in controversy over its Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme, with accusations of discrimination against white male applicants.
Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth, has branded the initiative "anti-white racism" after several clubs advertised coaching positions that appeared to exclude white men from applying.
The scheme, designed to increase diversity in football coaching, has come under scrutiny for job adverts that specified they were "open to coaches who are currently under represented within English Professional Football".
These adverts listed male coaches from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds, and female coaches from all backgrounds as eligible applicants.
Guidance for the job adverts reportedly came from the Premier League
PA
The wording was reportedly guided by the Premier League itself.
According to the Telegraph, numerous job adverts were uncovered from Premier League clubs that may violate the Equality Act.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and several other top-flight clubs have published adverts explicitly stating they would "only" consider applications from ethnic minorities and women.
An expired Manchester United advert for a youth coaching role stated: "Applications will only be accepted from individuals from those backgrounds."
Several clubs told the Telegraph that the adverts were created using templates supplied by the Premier League.
These templates have reportedly been updated, but even the newer versions have faced criticism, with Ipswich Town removing their advert after determining it was "poorly worded".
The Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance states positive action is lawful but cannot restrict job opportunities based on protected characteristics.
The Premier League describes the scheme as part of its No Room for Racism action plan, aiming to increase representation in coaching positions.
Across the Premier League and English Football League, 45 clubs have engaged with the initiative.
The programme has supported more than 80 coaches in their professional journey, with 75 of them now working in professional football.
READ MORE: London Marathon organisers explain reason for defying Supreme Court over transgender issue
Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe hit out at the Premier League initiative
GETTYThe scheme is one of two coach inclusion programmes funded by the league.
Its stated aim is part of the Premier League's "long-standing commitment to provide opportunities for coaches from under-represented backgrounds to find their place in football".
Critics, however, question whether the implementation has gone beyond lawful positive action into unlawful discrimination.
Following criticism, Ipswich promptly removed their advert from their website.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
The Premier League has found itself embroiled in controversy over its Coach Inclusion & Diversity Scheme
PA
Liverpool are expected to publish a similar advert imminently, despite the ongoing controversy.
The Premier League, which launched the scheme four seasons ago, states on its website that it is open to Professional Football Association members at any level.
However, it adds that "non-PFA members may also apply as long as they are a coach from a Black, Asian or mixed-heritage background".
Both the Premier League and affected clubs have been approached for comment regarding the potential legal implications of the scheme's implementation.
