Kick It Out chair Sanjay Bhandari to step down at end of 2026-27 season

Sanjay Bhandari, chair of Kick It Out, will step down from his role at the end of the 2026-27 season.

Bhandari was appointed chair in 2019 and will leave after more than seven years in the position. He received an MBE in 2024 for his services to football during his time with the charity. Kick It Out, which was established in 1993, has been described as a leading voice campaigning for policy change.

In a statement, Bhandari said it has been a "tremendous honour" to chair Kick It Out. He added: "Our 'Football United' strategy is deliberately built on a vision of bringing together governing bodies, clubs, players, supporters, communities and partners to create lasting change."

Bhandari continued: "In a world that often feels increasingly negative and divided, we are consciously seeking to strike a different tone." He also said: "The new chair will play a pivotal role in helping Kick It Out deliver that vision, by leading an experienced and committed board, and working closely with our chief executive to represent an organisation that has become one of the most respected voices for equality and inclusion in sport."

During his tenure, Bhandari oversaw a transformation of the organisation. That work included improved financial independence and governance, the appointment of an entirely new board and leadership team, and a new team structure.

Kick It Out will now begin a recruitment process to identify a preferred candidate by the end of December. The selected chair is expected to work alongside Bhandari until the end of the 2026-27 campaign before formally taking charge on 1 July 2027.