Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

'Surprise and disappointment' that only 27 of 72 EFL clubs - and only four sides in League Two - have signed up to the FA's Leadership Diversity code aimed at increasing inclusion in English football

English Football League clubs have been urged to sign up to the Football Association's Leadership Diversity Code, after it emerged only 27 of the 72 sides have pledged their support and only four in League Two.

The code, which was launched in October, is aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion throughout English football.

It immediately attracted the support of 40 clubs across the Premier League, English Football League, Barclays FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship.

The clubs who have signed up will be tasked with meeting targets, including that 25 per cent of new coaching arrivals at men's professional teams will be Black, Asian or of Mixed-Heritage

Nineteen of the 20 Premier League clubs pledged their commitment, but Southampton chose not to sign up initially, because they had just achieved the Premier League's Advanced Equality Standard and they continue to consider how the FA's code will complement this work.