Sanjay Bhandari to Step Down as Kick It Out Chair by 2027

Kick It Out will enter a new era in 2027, with chair Sanjay Bhandari confirming he will step down at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Bhandari, who took the role in 2019, will leave after more than seven years at the helm of English football’s leading anti-discrimination charity. His tenure has coincided with a period of deep change for the organisation, both on and off the pitch.

Honoured with an MBE in 2024 for services to football, Bhandari described the role as a “tremendous honour” and set out the vision that will outlast his time in charge.

He highlighted the charity’s “Football United” strategy, built around uniting governing bodies, clubs, players, supporters, communities and partners “to create lasting change”. In his statement, he underlined that, at a time when the wider world can feel “increasingly negative and divided”, Kick It Out is “consciously seeking to strike a different tone”.

The outgoing chair made clear that his successor will inherit both momentum and responsibility. He said the new chair will be pivotal in helping Kick It Out deliver that vision by leading an “experienced and committed board” and working closely with the chief executive to represent “one of the most respected voices for equality and inclusion in sport”.

Bhandari’s spell in charge has overseen a transformation of the organisation. The charity has strengthened its financial independence and governance, installed an entirely new board and leadership team, and reshaped its internal structure to match its growing influence across the game.

The search for the next chair starts now. Kick It Out will begin a recruitment process with the aim of identifying a preferred candidate by the end of December.

Once appointed, the new chair is expected to work alongside Bhandari through to the close of the 2026-27 season, ensuring a smooth handover before formally taking over on 1 July 2027.