RAPPER Stormzy has launched Merky FC with Adidas to fight the lack of diversity in football.
Figures show just 6.7 per cent of senior roles in football are taken by black or mixed heritage people – a statistic Stormzy has called “embarrassing”.
That’s despite 43 per cent of footballers being black or mixed heritage.
And so the rapper, 29, and Adidas have announced a partnership with 10 leading brands to come together on a multi-year initiative.
Merky FC is committed to increasing and protecting diverse representation in football.
It wants to affect change by addressing the lack of diversity off the pitch.
There will be paid professional placements and opportunities across the industry.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Stormzy said: “The statistics are shocking. I think it’s down to visibility a lot.
“Even growing up we didn’t see any black managers, black people on our screens in the media.
“So I think when Ian Wright comes along, Thierry Henry comes along, we know we can kick ball – we’ve always known we can kick ball – but in terms of the roles and the other positions in the industry we don’t see our representation, and representation is important.
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“When you can’t see it, it’s not always easy to believe it.”
On 6.7 per cent of senior roles in the game being taken by people who are black or mixed heritage, despite 43 per cent of footballers being black or mixed heritage, Stormzy added: “That statistic is embarrassing.
“I don’t think it is anything short of embarrassing.
“If you can see that representation on the pitch with all the players, then it should at least be backed up by people in positions of power, positions of influence outside of being an actual footballer.
“Hopefully with what we’re doing we can drive a change.”
