DO ROO KNOW THE RULE, NIGEL?

NIGEL HUDDLESTON insisted the Government IS addressing the lack of BAME representation in sporting bodies… but did not know what the Rooney Rule was.

The Rooney Rule has been back on the agenda as the likes of Raheem Sterling and other players have highlighted the continuing lack of diversity in the boardroom and in the coaching ranks.

Huddleston (above), the nation’s Sports Minister, needed the rule explaining when asked about the dearth of BAME sporting executives and coaches.

But when told it was a rule that would compel clubs and organisations to interview BAME candidates for top jobs, he did acknowledge the situation needs to be urgently addressed.

He said: “We are woefully behind on BAME representation and we need to focus on that.

“Sport England and UK Sport have helped identify people who could be suitable, so I think it’s really important we grow the pipeline of people who play a key role in leadership positions.

“When it comes to targets, that’s what we’ll be investigating. I’m not saying anything for definite at the moment, but we’re looking into that.”

Huddleston was speaking ahead of football’s resumption and he repeated the warning given by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters that any significant gatherings outside grounds would mean matches switched to neutral venues.

The minister also confirmed discussions were ongoing about a roadmap to get fans back into sporting venues.

He also highlighted the need to get women’s sport back up and running, saying: “I have written to the top-five governing bodies and asked them to specifically outline their plans for the resumption of women’s sports. We also need women’s sport on TV.

“When we met with the EFL, PL and FA, the Secretary of State and I made it very clear that we hoped there would be a resumption of women’s football as well.

“The Super League isn’t happening at the moment, but maybe a special kind of event can be organised.”