Sanjay Bhandari to Step Down as Chair of Kick It Out

Sanjay Bhandari, the chair of Kick It Out, has confirmed that he will step down from his position at the end of the 2026-27 season. Bhandari, who has held the role since 2019, will conclude his tenure after more than seven years of service to the organization.

Under Bhandari's leadership, Kick It Out has solidified its reputation as a prominent advocate for policy change and equality in football. The organization, founded in 1993, has played a vital role in addressing discrimination and promoting inclusion within the sport. In recognition of his contributions, Bhandari was awarded an MBE in 2024 for his services to football.

In a statement regarding his departure, Bhandari expressed that it has been a "tremendous honour" to lead Kick It Out. He emphasized the importance of the organization's 'Football United' strategy, which aims to unite governing bodies, clubs, players, supporters, and communities to foster lasting change in the sport. Bhandari noted, "In a world that often feels increasingly negative and divided, we are consciously seeking to strike a different tone."

During his time as chair, Bhandari has overseen significant transformations within Kick It Out, including enhanced financial independence and governance. His leadership has led to the establishment of a new board and leadership team, as well as a revamped organizational structure that positions Kick It Out for future success.

As Bhandari prepares to transition out of his role, Kick It Out will initiate a recruitment process to find a suitable successor. The organization aims to identify a preferred candidate by the end of December 2026. The new chair will work alongside Bhandari until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, officially taking over on July 1, 2027.

The next chair will be tasked with continuing the mission of Kick It Out, which has become one of the most respected voices for equality and inclusion in sports. The new leader will collaborate closely with the organization's chief executive and the board to further advance the vision of creating a more inclusive environment in football.

As the sports community reflects on Bhandari's impactful tenure, the focus now shifts to finding a leader who can build on the foundation he has laid and continue the vital work of promoting equality in the game.