Only 2 out of 48 coaches in FIFA World Cup 2026 are black….a damning stat for Infantino
Football is a great example of success in harmonious diversity
With a mix of colour and creed in this very important industry
Decades of little opportunities and quite restricted inclusion
Nowadays it has improved and there is now no obvious exclusion
This is clearly apparent with the rich racial mix out on the pitch
But if we look at the bench and boardroom your view will switch
Few managers and coaches, unlike their teams are black
And the ones who do get the odd chance invariably get the sack
The boardroom and back room offices are sadly much worse
So surely it is time to put this social anomaly right into reverse
The difference between the team and the bench is so vividly clear
Which makes this topical issue unfair and really quite insincere
Patrick Viera recently aired his concern with a very similar view
But I look at his own bench makeup and find him guilty too
Kick it out campaigns have worked tirelessly and really hard
As have various other operators like Show Racism the Red Card
But while the onfield situation with selection has noticeably improved
Opportunities on the bench, and in boardroom haven’t yet moved
So as Stormzy and Adidas say it is time to address this oversight
And create chances for qualified candidates who aren’t only white.
I am sure this will happen soon and hopefully at a far faster pace
When hopefully we see a balance of creed, ethnicity and race
But the important aspect that we should all never forget or resent
In the end what really matters most of all is the ability and talent
An example will be seen in June WC when USA are the main Host
Where only 2 out 48 coaches are black, Senegal & the Ivory Coast
Mike Berry
