Sanjay Bhandari, the chair of the anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out, has announced plans to conclude his tenure at the end of the 2026-27 season. Having served in the role since 2019, Bhandari will step down after a seven-year commitment. For his contributions to football during this period, he received an MBE in 2024.
Reflecting on his time leading the charity, which was founded in 1993, Bhandari expressed that it was a significant honor to hold the position. He emphasized that the organization’s current strategy, titled ‘Football United,’ is designed to unite various stakeholders within the sport to foster permanent improvements. He noted that the incoming chair will be tasked with guiding an experienced board and collaborating with the chief executive to uphold the organization’s reputation for equality and inclusion.
Under Bhandari’s guidance, the group underwent a significant overhaul, resulting in strengthened financial stability, improved governance, and a refreshed leadership structure. Kick It Out has initiated a search for his successor, aiming to select a candidate by the end of December. The selected individual is expected to collaborate with Bhandari before officially assuming the role on July 1, 2027.
