FA CEO Martin Glenn "clarified his comment" that suggested women are less tolerant of "banter" than men, according to the BBC. He made the remark on Tuesday as he revealed the FA's plans for '18, which include "enhancing the culture around the women's senior team." Glenn: "The standard [grievance] procedures that work for men might not work in the women's game. We have to organize for the differences." Glenn stressed that he was "not referring to alleged racist remarks" made to Chelsea striker Eniola Aluko by former England Manager Mark Sampson. He said, "I think culturally what women will be prepared to put up with has been a bit different from guys. I guess banter would be a case in point" (BBC, 1/10).
'WATERSHED MOMENT': The London TELEGRAPH reported anti-racism organization Kick It Out hailed the FA's pledge to interview at least one candidate from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background for future roles within the England setup as a "watershed" moment. There are "only five BAME managers working in England's top 92 clubs." Kick It Out Chair Herman Ouseley said, "This is a watershed moment. I looked to the Football Association to give leadership on the matter of equality, inclusion and cohesion. I now expect those in positions of power across professional football, along with the FA, to drive forward the highest standards of activity in order to achieve these objectives which will benefit everyone who participates in the game" (TELEGRAPH, 1/10).
