A football report has called for more Asian and black people at the highest levels of the sport's administration.
Premier League chiefs have also voiced their concerns saying the sport needs to be more inclusive and reflect the communities it serves.
The Independent Football Commission report however shows progress has been made in tackling racism among supporters.
The report, which has taken a year to be produced, takes into account those involved in playing, coaching and watching football.
Are these new measures enough? Send us your comments.
I've lost count of the number of times people who I had thought of as intelligent argued that it's ok to insult black players using racial slurs 'because that's what you expect in football'! Racism and sectarianism are completely ingrained in football as it in UK society. Positive discrimination is not the way to address the problem in any industry however as this simply leads to resentment and inferior candidates being promoted.
Fiona, Sydney, Australia
It is nonsense to say that football is racist. I watch Arsenal, and home and away we have an exceptionally broad range of fans. Yes there are too few black managers, 3 out of 92. But this is true across society. How many black chief executives are there in the FTSE 100? I can't think of any. Twenty years ago there were almost no black players. It will all work through in time.
Matt, London
Football is a sport run by business people. Players get where they are through effort and commitment. If you are talented, it matters not what your colour is. Those who run the game got there by hard work and progress (managers and coaching staff) and the directors got there by investing their own hard earned cash. These paths are open to anyone - if you are good enough at football, if you are good enough to coach or manage, if you are wealthy enough to keep a club afloat. There is no racism in football. There is nothing holding ethnic people back except themselves. I suspect that it isn't actually members of minorities who are complaining. More likely, it is a handful of lefty do gooders trying to make something out of nothing.
Mark H, UK
Racism? What a load of nonsense. Where are the women in the upper levels of football? Where are the women in the football teams? Why don't the Premier League chiefs voice their concerns about women.
Helen Webber, Henley, UK
I think more Asians and black people should be in the highest levels of football's admin. Such a move would promote fairness, diversity, and interest. People should be accepted on their ability/merits rather than their race or social clique.
James, Plymouth, UK
Football isn't racist; a minority of the fans are, not only racist, but violent. When do you ever see Rugby violence? People actually avoid pubs and football grounds because they are scared, and this is our national sport?
Unfortunately can't resolve racism it is borne of ignorance and fear of the unknown. If you punish all because of the actions of the few, the majority will begin to hate the racists for ruining their Saturdays. It's maybe extreme but totally worth it.
Duncan, Edinburgh, Scotland
Since most teams in the divisions these days seem to be made up of players from a wide range of nationalities, I can't see how the claims of 'racism' can be justified; we also have football managers and coaches from different national backgrounds too. Since the largest amount of African and Asian immigrants came to the UK in the 50's, 60's & 70's, it's probably going to take time for them to work their way up through the system as players, coaches and then managers. I think this is a time related issue rather than simply a racist one.
Kevin, UK
It can't be. Racism will be in football long after the players today retire. And it's a shame because clearly there is great love for football. I think the FA, and even FIFA should severely punish these clubs that harbour racists. This should include six figure fines and hefty points being deducted. It's a step in the right direction in my opinion as it will tell these clubs they too are responsible for keeping racism in football alive!
Jason B, Manchester, UK
The problem is deep rooted in the whole game. Perhaps if one fan (or player) gets prosecuted for a racist incident then the whole club should be banned from playing for a week. That would hit their profits and their position in the league. The most racist clubs would then fall out of the premiership and ultimately out of the league unless they improved.
Dougie Lawson, Basingstoke, UK
Please could someone list all of the black players who have been denied management and coaching roles because of their colour?
Lee, Hebburn, England
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The FA should be applauded for taking this problem seriously
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I am frankly appalled by the apologists for UK football. The lack of non-whites in coaching and management is a clear symptom of institutional racism.
It is inconceivable that the despite the plethora of black players in the game over the last 20 years that hardly any are willing or able manage or coach teams. This is a scandalous waste of talent. The FA should be applauded for taking this problem seriously.
Anton, London, England
To Anton, London: Do you say the same thing about UK Athletics for having almost completely black sprinters? No - because they are there on merit, they are the best. Would you support positive discrimination to allow second rate white sprinters to take their place, just to make the ethnic mix right? Of course not. The best candidates get the job - live with it and move on.
Mark, Worksop, England
My personal experience is that racism tends to become more of a problem at certain clubs during periods when they haven't got many/any black players playing for them - sad, but it's as simple as that for some of those ignorant enough to lower themselves to such depths. It has to be said too that some stewards and police don't act decisively enough once racist incidents are brought to their attention in stadiums and this clearly has to change.
Robert Crosby, Nottingham, UK
Many people seem to be under the mistaken impression that there currently exists a level playing field. Unfortunately, this is clearly not the case and unconscious racism is a pernicious and difficult think to get rid of. Having said that, education rather than 'positive discrimination' is the better way of dealing with this.
Katherine, London, UK
Calling for more blacks and Asians in sports will do nothing for racism; it will stir up more problems as people will be saying he or she only got the job because of their skin colour. I'm sorry the best qualified whether black, blue or pink should and must be awarded the position open truly how many black players have their FA coaches certificate if their good enough give them the job
Doug, Liverpool, England
Why bother, it will remain in the bigger picture, AND, racism itself is generated by ignorance, not yob culture. English law on racism, IS IN favour of those who exploit any given opportunity, and turn the issue into one of race.
J Evans, UK
It is obvious that there will soon be a majority of black players in the premiership and quite right, their talent is there for all to see. But please let us get a balance here we do not need artificial quotas of non-white administrators / managers / directors just to keep the racial equality lobbyists happy. Let us have a meritocracy please. If people are good enough they will make it regardless.
Steve Williams, Wrexham, Wales
Racism? I don't see it. The fact is football is about money, and if a coloured person can make a club more money than another person, be they black/white/orange whatever... they will be employed. Race or skin colour has little if anything to do with it!
Peter Jackson, Portsmouth, UK
Education I have found is the first & most important step in Removing racism, or any "ISM" over a long term period. After all, Any "ism" comes from a fear of the unknown, or an unrealistic fear and or judgement based stereotypes.
Roy, Boston Massachusetts
Politics has no place in sport, and positive discrimination is just as dangerous as negative discrimination. Asian or black 'people' have to make the grade just as much as anyone else. The only way to prevent racism within the clubs is to name and shame, then hurt them in their pockets! All the rest of this debate is just a bunch of PC Nonsense!
Ray, London, England
Could you not also conclude that football is sexist?
Mark, London
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If we are suggesting that your colour or ethnic background should entitle you to an easier ride then we are promoting discrimination
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Why should there be a correlation between the mix of our population and percentages of persons of different ethnic backgrounds and/or genders in different positions? If there is evidence that persons are being discriminated against then I agree it a cause for concern, but if we are suggesting that your colour or ethnic background should entitle you to an easier ride then we are promoting discrimination and racism.
Paul, Belgium
Racism in football has decreased, but it won't go away. There will always be a number of ignorant, moronic individuals on the terraces. Sadly, the same is true of society in general.
Chris Johns, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
I'm sorry but quotas are the dumbest thing. If anything it promotes racism in football as it creates uncertainty as to the real reason for the player being chosen. Football today is big business and I'm sure that winning comes before race.
JJ, UK
What if the prospective candidates just aren't good enough? And what about all the white ex-players that don't get jobs, they don't moan! Its like complaining about there not being enough ethnic minorities on television etc, you've hit the nail on the head - 'minority'. Out of 100 applicants, if only 10 are black (because they are an ethnic minority in the country) then it's unlikely they will get the job over a white person. It's all about numbers!
Scott, UK
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All the black players are asking is to be given a chance
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Black players were ridiculed in the early 70's, often told they were not good enough to play in the First Division or had banana skins thrown at them. How times have changed! I suppose it will take another twenty years or more before there are black managers, coaches etc in the game. There are players who have taken coaching exams but they can't find work. It is not until people are confronted about the problem that views will change. All the black players are asking is to be given a chance. A fair chance! Until attitudes change, then there will be no progress. We will still be debating about this issue in ten years time.
Claudette, UK
Kick 'em in their pocketbooks! Teams that tolerate racism all have sponsors - boycott their products.
Marc Brett, Richmond, UK
Affirmative action has been under continuous scrutiny, and while it is true that idealistically every player should be picked on their own merit, often times this is not the case. Let's not be pretentious - while quotas are slightly draconian, they are a step forwards, which in football means quite a bit.
VKM, Saskatoon, Canada
I do not see a problem here, the game has disproportionately more black employees than the nation's mix would suggest as being balanced. I don't hear the white majority complaining. Many areas of life have colour mixes at variance to the population, some more white, some none-white. Does it really matter as long as ability goes before colour or race?
Mike Hall, Chipping Norton, UK
Your ability to play football is not governed by the colour of your skin but your natural ability and the practice and training that you put in. Asian communities are very much status and society role driven and thus the complete lack of footballers. There are a huge number of black players. Personally I think they need to review the report or ask for their money back.
MS, London
Racism has nothing to do with skill, after all the clubs want the best players and management. And if they are black, they are black. Maybe the opportunities aren't there. But people cannot keep playing the race card. The way football is now, the clubs want the best, and race and ethnicity has nothing to do with it. If you are good enough, you are good enough.
Paul Bainbridge, Goole, East Yorks
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The answer is - get your UEFA/FA qualifications and show what you can do in the lower leagues
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Black players have become a feature of life in today's football and most clubs have several black players. Why? Because of quotas? No, because they are good footballers. The answer is - get your UEFA/FA qualifications and show what you can do in the lower leagues like most white coaches/managers do. No one gets a free ride these days. If you are good enough you'll get the job. I work in The City of London and meet excellent people of all nationalities. They have worked to get where they are. Don't sit back and moan, nothing comes for free, work for it and get on with your life.
Terry Emerson, London, UK
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You don't solve problems by having set quotas
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Fine, providing the candidates are the best available regardless of race, gender etc. You don't solve problems by having set quotas. As a matter of interest, does the Commission for Racial Equality employ the correct quota of white people?
John C, Bath, England
To John C, Bath: Yes you can solve or at least go some way to solve problems by having quotas. Sadly attitudes amongst many white Britons still prevent many ethnic minority persons from gaining work etc. By forcing companies, organisations etc to include more ethnic minority people we can give so many of them the chances that we white Britons take for granted.
Ed Hollinshead, UK
Racism in football will end when racism in society has ended, not the other way round.
Barry P, Havant England
Clubs should be punished for their fans' or players' racist behaviour. Points should be deducted. I don't think that simply having more Asian players in the higher leagues will solve anything. A player's ability is the only thing that dictates which league they play in. I agree with Mike. Education from an early age is crucial.
Simon, UK
Personally I find it sickening to read the country's top administrators tugging their forelocks & agreeing with the findings of this politically motivated interest group. I suppose we should be grateful that at least they stopped short of making the usual accusation of "institutional racism" against the game. Bodies like the IFC should understand that they devalue the case of legitimate candidates for positions of authority from minority groups, by arguing that skin colour is qualification enough. Righting one wrong by committing another is not a solution to anything.
Martin, Epsom UK
Racism is an absolutely disgraceful thing and should be stopped both in football and life itself. My opinion is that if racism was stopped off the pitch than it will be stopped on the pitch.
Mitz, London, Harrow
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If you're good enough you will get the job
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People should be chosen for their ability not their colour, nationality, religion, background or sex. If you're good enough you will get the job, take for example the English manager - he's foreign. Having quotas for minority groups will bring more problems than it solves.
Caron, England
Are we now to assume that any organisation which doesn't have ethnic minorities represented at management level must be endemically racist? I'd be more interested in finding people who can DO the job, rather than exercising "politically correct" colour preferences.
Chris Hunter, Bedford, UK
Perhaps if a few Asian and African millionaires came forward to buy a few clubs, it might improve things. I believe Leeds is going cheap at the moment, if anyone out there is interested.
David Hazel, Fareham, UK
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Education is the key to everything
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Along with these measures and possibly some public service announcements about the ignorance of racism, football will cleanse itself. Education is the key to everything.
Mike, Columbus, OH USA
Put Racists and Hooligans in the stocks facing the crowd on match days. See how they like that!
Rich, UK
To begin with, you need more Asian players in the higher leagues but also in local football administration - Fans respect players and officials more than pure administrators. The Asian and black players then need to progress in the game through to manager and administrator level - but to put people into these positions based only on their skin or ethnicity will just create more tension. Black players and of late, officials are more common place in football these days and racism towards them is getting less as a result. We need the Asian communities to develop along similar lines - once it is norm, then racism will dwindle further.
John , Watford, UK
Whilst I agree that you need all ethnicities to be represented in football (as with any other job) I feel that forcing people from ethnic minorities into the highest levels of the Sports administration is merely favouring jobs for the minority as opposed to the majority. If you have 10 people suitable for the position (9 white and 1 black) why should the minority get the job based on their ethnicity as opposed to their employment suitability?
James, Sussex, UK
We really need to address the levels of Asian players before moving on to the administration & management side. I used to play football with a group of Asian teenagers most of which had amazing ability, isn't it time we was some playing for the bigger teams, at least then it may attract a greater following amongst Black & Asian communities.
Simon Rerrie, Birmingham, UK
How much money did the Premier League chief's waste getting this report published? I would feel discriminated against if I was a better candidate for a job but rejected due to my colour not suiting this recent report
S Weatherley, Margate
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I have to agree that football needs to be inclusive at all levels
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I have to agree that football needs to be inclusive at all levels. However, racism is not just a football issue; it's a widespread social ill that has to be addressed as such. While improving things on this single front is undoubtedly a good thing, it would be foolish to think that racism can be removed from football in isolation.
Gareth, Bermuda
This is all very well, but there are certain individuals you'll never be able to educate, and you can't force these people to think the way you want them to.
James, UK
Ban Football!
Richard, UK
Certainly everything that can be done should be done to stop racist chants or abuse directed at players, fans or officials. But to actively recruit ethnic minorities into football is going too far. This type of policy just breeds resentment. What about polo? Not many working class people involved in that sport, I demand a horse and an automatic invite to play at all the big tournaments.
James Doherty, Glasgow, Strathclyde
Racism in football will only be stopped when there is concerted effort by "all" institutions to fight racism. Institutional racism is one of the biggest problems of modern day life.
Naomi, South Yorkshire
Licence football clubs, like night clubs are licensed. Any trouble, take their licence away.
Andrew M, Walsall, UK
When the top five teams in the premiership all have "foreign" managers then I don't think racism is an issue. The majority of black people don't seem to go for management they seem to go for television jobs i.e. Ian Wright, John Fashanu, Robbie Earl the jobs are on offer its whether people want them.
Nick, Wales
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