Kick It Out recorded a record 1,744 reports of discrimination during the 2025/26 football season, a 25-per-cent increase from the previous year. Total incidents surpassed 1,000 for the first time, reaching 1,255.

Reports rose across all levels of the game, with professional football and grassroots seeing 41 per cent increases. Online reports also climbed by five per cent. Racism remains the most prevalent form, accounting for 792 reports (45 per cent). Sexism, homophobia, antisemitism, ableism, and Islamophobia all reached record highs.

Discriminatory mass chanting saw a 41 per cent rise, and anti-immigrant language reports doubled compared to the previous two seasons combined. Abuse towards match officials also significantly increased, with more than a third targeting female officials. Youth football (under-18s) reported a record 248 incidents.

Kick It Out CEO Samuel Okafor noted discrimination is "deeply embedded" but highlighted increased willingness to report abuse. The Premier League reiterated its condemnation of discrimination and commitment to initiatives like "No Room For Racism." Both organizations emphasized the need for continued action to ensure football is welcoming to all.