Premier League cuts funding for anti-racism group Kick it Out

  With diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts worldwide coming under attack from various groups, the English Premier League’s shift towards internal initiatives is raising the alarm about the future of a prominent independent anti-racism organisation. 

Kick It Out, founded in 1993, has worked to challenge discrimination and has been partially funded by the Premier League. But the league has just announced they will reduce their funding commitment from three years to 12 months. 

While Kick It Out does receive additional financial support from other stakeholders, including the Football Association (FA) and the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), the Premier League’s decision to scale back its commitment signals a broader trend toward self-managed diversity programs. 

This announcement comes amid ongoing incidents. On Friday, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo suffered alleged racist abuse during the first Premier League game of the season at Anfield, while England defender Jess Carter also received racist online messages during Euro 2025.  

Premier League CEO Richard Masters defended his organisation and their move to an internal approach, stating: “We’re confident enough now to speak in our own voice. We’re confident to put our own activations together, talking to clubs and stakeholders about it.” 

He emphasized fan support, saying: “When you poll fans, they say that’s the second most important thing the Premier League does, other than organise the football competition.” 

The Premier League previously launched its No Room for Racism campaign in 2019 without informing Kick It Out, scheduling the inaugural weekend during fixtures traditionally reserved for the charity’s events.

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