The members of Camden and Islington United football club, which is owned by the community, have chosen to refuse participation in their Sunday Wembley Cup semi-final due to being subjected to “shocking instances of misogyny” from their rivals, Munter Hunters FC.
The Sunday Wembley Cup holders, Candi, reported an issue to the London Football League and the Amateur Football Alliance. However, when the league refused to postpone the game while the issue was being investigated, Candi withdrew from the competition. The league later agreed to a postponement until the outcome of the Amateur FA investigation.
Kai-Yen Thomas, the men’s representative on the Candi board, stated that there are issues that go beyond football. He expressed his admiration for the 80+ female players, female coaches, and female board members at their club. He also mentioned that they cannot play against a team that has a negative presence on social media. Thomas hopes that the league and the FA will swiftly address this matter so that they can resume playing football.
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MHFC stated that they were in communication with the FA and due to the current investigation, they would not be making any statements at this moment.
Nick Wigmore, the creator and leader of Candi as well as a member of the Sunday team, stated: “Our goal in establishing Camden and Islington United was to demonstrate that football can and should be approached in a different way. Our board consists of more than 50% women, we have equal representation of men’s and women’s teams, and our coaching staff includes both men and women who come from Black and Asian backgrounds. This is important because historically, these groups have been excluded from women’s football globally. This recent incident highlights the fact that there is still much progress to be made in educating and empowering leagues to take decisive action against offensive and discriminatory behavior.”
Candi stated that they will not participate in a match against MHFC until the league shows a genuine effort and capability to make significant changes.
The London Football League announced that the game has been delayed and stated: “We would like to wait for the outcome of the FA’s investigation before sharing our thoughts on the issue.”
The CEO of the Amateur FA, Jason Kilby, stated that they treat all reports of inappropriate behavior with utmost importance. They are dedicated to eradicating discrimination and promoting diversity within their staff and the entire Amateur FA football community.
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Kilby stated that they have communicated with the other party and suggested that they delay the event until an investigation is finished. As a regulated competition, we have informed them of the procedures for enforcing their competition rules. We are adhering to FA guidelines in examining the misconduct and collaborating with the FA’s grassroots disciplinary team as this is a significant matter.
A representative from the Football Association stated that they are collaborating with the Amateur Football Alliance to assist in their investigation and take necessary actions. They strongly denounce any form of misogyny, stating that it has no place in football or society as a whole. They also assure that any club or individual found guilty of such behavior will face consequences. All accusations of this nature are treated with utmost seriousness and will not be accepted in the sport.
Kat Craig, the chair of Candi, said: “We are incredibly proud of our Sunday men’s team players, and the allyship they have shown. Sometimes solidarity requires a sacrifice, and we’re grateful for their support and that of all of our players, sponsors, members and the wider community in taking this stance. We want football to be a place for all, and we want those words to mean something. We hope this small gesture will spark positive change.”
Source: theguardian.com
