FA call up big names to help Equality Code

The FA have signed a high- profile cast including Troy deeney, nigel Pearson and Tyrone mings to lead their fight against discrimination in english football.

Last month Paul elliott, chair of the FA’s inclusion advisory board, launched the Football Leadership equality Code, which clubs can sign up to with a view to increasing diversity and equality in football boardrooms and leadership positions, particularly coaching roles.

yesterday, mailonline exclusively disclosed details of the influential steering group and expert panels tasked with devising the code.

Watford striker deeney (right) and Aston Villa and england defender mings — both of whom have been vocal on the subject of racial equality in light of the Black Lives matter movement — are on board. Watford boss Pearson is also part of the steering group.

Sportsmail can also reveal that Tottenham executive director donna Cullen has agreed to join the group, as have Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and Crystal Palace supremo steve Parish. england senior team coach Chris Powell, england Under 21 coach michael Johnson, former newcastle and Brighton boss Chris hughton and former player Rachel yankey are also involved. The steering group will be tasked with developing the Football Leadership equality Code with the aim of delivering it by october 11, to coincide with england’s UeFA nations League fixture against Belgium at Wembley — which also marks Black history month. The first steering group meeting took place yesterday. The FA are also creating four independent expert panels, who will be consulted regularly throughout the development of the code.

deeney will chair the players’ expert panel. The coaching panel will be co-chaired by hope Powell, manager at Brighton and hove Albion WFC, and Liam Rosenior, first-team coach at derby County.

The clubs’ panel will be chaired by Buck and the grassroots panel will be chaired by sue hough, chair of the FA Women’s Board.

elliott said yesterday: ‘ We’ve had a fantastic response from senior leaders across the game, including owners, chairs, players and coaches.

‘Today’s meeting was a great kick- off to the three- month programme and, with october marking Black history month, it feels like the right time to launch the code.

‘While it’s still early in development, it’s clear that everybody is pulling in the same direction and there is a strong will from the group to make meaningful change.

‘Together with leaders from across the industry we are hoping to drive the nation’s response to inequality by ensuring the leadership of our national sport reflects the communities that watch and love the game.’