Kick It Out chair Bhandari to step down from role
Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari will step down from his role at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Sanjay Bhandari, the chair of Kick It Out, will relinquish his position at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. Appointed to the role in 2019, Bhandari has served for over seven years. In 2024, he was bestowed with an MBE for his contributions to football while leading the charity, which was founded in 1993.
In a statement, Bhandari expressed that chairing Kick It Out has been a tremendous honor. The organization's Football United strategy is centered on uniting various stakeholders - governing bodies, clubs, players, supporters, communities, and partners - to drive meaningful change. Bhandari noted that in a world often characterized by negativity and division, Kick It Out seeks to adopt a different tone.
He added that the incoming chair will play a crucial role in helping Kick It Out achieve its vision by leading a seasoned and dedicated board and collaborating closely with the chief executive. Under Bhandari's leadership, Kick It Out has undergone significant changes. These include enhanced financial independence and governance, the appointment of a new board and leadership team, and a restructured organizational model.
Kick It Out will now commence a recruitment process to identify a suitable candidate by the end of December. The new chair is anticipated to work in tandem with Bhandari until the end of the 2026-27 season before assuming full responsibilities on 1st July 2027.
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