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Women in Football have revealed today that for the 2014 / 2015 season 61 reports have been received regarding sexism in football.

This is the first season that Women in Football (WiF) have been recording sexist incidents so WiF are unable to compare the statistics, but in terms of context Kick it Out recorded two reports of sexism last season.

The reports received by WiF can be broken down as follows: 

• WiF has logged 61 separate reports regarding sexism.
• These relate to 55 incidents.
• 23 of these (42%) relate to matchday incidents.
• 22 (40%) relate to social media sexist abuse.
• 10 incidents (18%) relate to work place sexism.

Over 60% of the incidents reported to WiF relate directly to the football club environment. WiF Development Manager Clare Fitzboydon collates the reports, and shares with the various relevant bodies to investigate. Additionally WiF then follow up with support and advice for the individual/s affected throughout the process.

Football authority and police investigations stemming from these reports have resulted in: 

• A County FA in a position to charge[1] a Club (on-going case).
• Disciplinary procedures instigated, which resulted in the individual being removed from post.
• Four incidents relating to Premier League matches are on-going investigations with The FA.
• Clubs and Sky Sports News blocking twitter accounts for sexist abuse.
• Four incidents brought to the attention of the police for investigation. Two of these are on-going.
• Expert pro bono support and advice offered and given to individuals who have raised workplace incidents with WiF.

The WiF survey in 2014 revealed that of the 66% of women working in football who had witnessed sexism in the workplace, 89% of those did not report it. With WiF only receiving 10 incidents relating to workplace sexism this season, the statistics highlight just how much work there is still to do in encouraging and supporting women to come forward when they encounter discrimination.

WiF’s strategy over the next three years is to address this. WiF aim to develop greater understanding in football about ‘what sexism is’ as well as putting in place the support networks to encourage women to report incidents.

 

[1] A County FA has issued a charge of FA Rule E20 for failure to control spectators, including comments aggravated by gender. The club will then get the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge.  

 

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