EPL side Queens Park Rangers Dir of football Les Ferdinand has "called for a Rooney Rule-style law to be introduced in English football" to "challenge what he believes is a 'lack of diversity' in the game," according to the PA. FA Chair Greg Dyke was "first to suggest the adoption of the American system" and now Ferdinand has "reopened the debate by insisting it could be the best way to give prospective black managers the confidence to aspire to positions they currently feel are beyond them." The QPR director said, "We're not saying you have to give anybody the job -- we're just saying, 'Give us an interview' -- that's all. It's just a case of being able to sit down and put your credentials on the table. At the moment, we're not even getting that chance." Dyke's support for the Rooney Rule "was not shared by others in the game" with both Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore and the League Managers' Association "rejecting the idea." But Ferdinand's views are "shared" by anti-racist campaigners Kick It Out, which said, "The access to opportunities for employment in football continue to be out of reach for many. The recruitment procedures are flawed" (PA, 3/24).
