FA and Premier League urged to help tackle gender-based violence

UK football’s most powerful bodies are facing calls to follow the lead of the US in tackling gender-based violence, including by letting clubs suspend players suspected of abusive behaviour without pay.

In a letter seen by the Guardian, the CEOs of the Football Association and the Premier League have been urged to decide “which side they are on when it comes to violence against women and girls”.

The letter has been sent by the feminist group Level Up, the End Violence Coalition and the Three Hijabis, who last year launched an anti-racism campaign after black England players were subjected to a torrent of abuse after the Euro 2020 final.

It outlines demands including following the lead of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the NFL, where players suspected of domestic abuse, sexual violence or child abuse can be suspended without pay.

It also calls for mandatory training for staff at every level on gender-based violence, a charter outlining minimum standards, clear sexual misconduct policies including disciplinary procedures, and prevention programmes in academies.

“This week has seen football make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. It is clear that our beautiful game has an ugly underside when it comes to violence against women,” the letter states. “It’s time for the FA and Premier League to confront a culture of gender-based violence.”

The Scottish club Raith Rovers made a U-turn on Thursday after days of mounting anger over its signing of David Goodwillie, who was ruled to be a rapist in a civil case in 2017.

It comes against a backdrop of allegations against Premier League players including Mason Greenwood and Benjamin Mendy. Greenwood, a Manchester United striker, was released on bail on Wednesday after his arrest