- FvH responds to the Football Association’s 2025/26 season Annual Grassroots Behaviour and Discipline Report
- For the fourth consecutive year, the report shows a rise in serious case allegations related to sexual orientation
- There are now more charges and more proven charges for homophobia than for any other type of discrimination at this level
- FvH believes more training and investment is needed if the aim of creating “a game for everyone” is to be met
The Football v Homophobia campaign is deeply concerned by the findings of the latest FA Grassroots Behaviour and Discipline Report.
The annual review for the English grassroots game provides statistics on discrimination in Step 5 of men’s football and below, and Tier 3 of women’s football and below.
For the fourth consecutive year, the data shows a rise in the number of discriminatory allegations related to sexual orientation.
For 2025/26, reports were up by 35% compared to the previous season.
Significantly, and for the first time since 2022/23, there were both more charges and more proven charges for homophobia in FA-affiliated grassroots football last season than for any other type of discrimination.
Yet the data shows only a third of allegations of this type lead to a charge, and only a quarter of allegations result in a proven charge, as opposed to 34% last season.
The FA also concedes there is a “reporting gap” which means many discriminatory incidents are not raised as allegations. We acknowledge the ongoing efforts that are being made to reduce this gap.
Government research endorsed by Galop informs us that in wider society, anti-LGBTQ language and behaviour tends to go unreported.
FvH naturally welcomes the greater awareness around the importance of reporting homophobia. However, we believe the data indicates that both education and evidence-gathering in this area remain insufficient.
When an allegation is made, a disciplinary process begins – but too often, this is hampered by witnesses choosing to disengage from that process, or the burden of proof is not met.
Outcomes of disciplinary cases usually hinge on the balance of probability, as the evidence available is not definitive.
With more training on tackling homophobia, and more investment in tools and technology, the FA has the opportunity to support its call-to-action on reporting with the framework to produce better outcomes.
During the 2027 Football v Homophobia Month of Action, our campaign for grassroots football will help participants understand that homophobic language, even if not directed at an LGBTQ+ person, is discriminatory and could result in serious punishment, including lengthier bans.
We will also work to raise awareness of how to successfully report incidents of homophobia, both on and off the pitch.
We continue to encourage all supporters of the FvH campaign and more widely across grassroots football to take a stand against homophobia, and to show clear support for LGBTQ+ people and allies in the game.
October 6, 2026
Data from the 2025/26 Grassroots Behaviour and Discipline Report relating to homophobia
- Serious case allegations have risen by more than a third (35.37% increase) compared to the 2024/25 season
- Charges are up 2.17%
- Proven charges are down 4.33%
- Not proven charges are down 21.67%
- 32.9% of homophobia allegations resulted in a charge (down 11.33% compared to the 2024/25 season)
- 24.32% of homophobia allegations result in a proven charge (down 10.1%)
- 73.86% of homophobia charges result in a proven charge (down 5.02%)
What FvH said following previous editions of the FA’s Annual Grassroots Discipline Review
December 12, 2025: Homophobia offences in grassroots continue to rise – an FvH response
December 19, 2024: FvH statement on rise in reports of homophobia in grassroots football
Notes for editors
About Football v Homophobia
Launched in 2010, Football v Homophobia (FvH) is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at all levels of football.
We want football to take a clear stand against homophobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and so that football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Learn more here.
The annual Month of Action for the FvH campaign is held every February, in what is also LGBT+ History Month.
FvH provides education sessions for players from U10s to first team. Access free resources and get campaign items from the FvH Shop.
For more news and content relating to FvH, as well as our Football v Transphobia initiative, visit our archive.
Make an enquiry at info@footballvhomophobia.com.
Contacts
Lou Englefield, FvH campaign director
lou@footballvhomophobia.com
Jon Holmes, FvH media consultant
jon@footballvhomophobia.com