Kick It Out Figures Show 43% Rise in Antisemitism Reports in 2025-26 Football Season

Thursday 30^th July 2026, London: Maccabi GB is deeply concerned by Kick It Out’s latest figures, which show that 1,744 reports of discrimination were received during the 2025/26 season, an overall increase of 25%. Reports of antisemitism rose by 43% to a record 93, and antisemitism in grassroots football was reported at its highest-ever level.

Ashley Lerner, Chief Executive of Maccabi GB, said: “Every incident of discrimination and every report received is a matter of deep concern. Antisemitism, racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, sexism, ableism and every other form of prejudice have no place in football or wider sport. They must be challenged consistently and eradicated from the game.

“The 43% rise in reports of antisemitism is particularly alarming and demonstrates why sustained education is essential. Antisemitism is not always properly recognised or understood, and people must be given the knowledge and confidence to identify it, challenge it and report it when it occurs.

“Through our Maccabi GB Tackling Antisemitism in Sport programme, delivered in partnership with Lord Mann and the Office of HM Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism, we work with clubs, governing bodies, players, academy teams, staff, stewards and County Football Associations to address contemporary antisemitism and provide practical guidance on how to respond. The programme has now delivered 230 workshops to approximately 6,000 participants in two and half years, engaging 19 Premier League clubs, 63 EFL clubs and 49 County Football Associations.”

“Education alone is not the complete answer. Strong reporting processes, appropriate sanctions, leadership and accountability are also vital. However, lasting cultural change cannot happen without education. Our 2026 evaluation shows that 92% of participants leave our workshops with a better understanding of antisemitism and the Jewish community, while 89% feel better able to identify an antisemitic incident.”

“We will continue working with partners across sport to ensure Jewish players, staff and supporters feel safe, represented and welcome. The message must be unequivocal, discrimination in any form is unacceptable, and everyone involved in sport has a responsibility to confront it.”

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Maccabi GB's 'Tackling Antisemitism in Sport' project was launched in September 2023, in partnership with the Office of HM Government's Independent Adviser on Antisemitism. The initiative works to promote safer, more inclusive sporting environments across the UK. www.maccabigb.org/antisemitisminsport 

Kick It Out’s published 2025/26 statistics www.kickitout.org/news-media/kick-it-out-receives-25-rise-discrimination-reports