Kicking through the Glass Ceiling

Vimal Yoganathan, South Asian Representation, and Football’s Unspoken Racial Hierarchies

Vimal Yoganathan's debut for Barnsley—marked by his two-goal performance—is more than a personal achievement. It illuminates the glaring underrepresentation of South Asians in English football, a community that makes up 7% of the UK population but only 0.3% of professional footballers.

Despite this stark imbalance, a few key nuances need to be acknowledged. A significant portion of the South Asian population consists of adult immigrants, often arriving too late in life to enter professional sports. Even with a 29% growth in the number of South Asian footballers in recent years, this progress remains woefully insufficient in reflecting their broader population share. Right now the

Yoganathan’s success is an anomaly, exposing the systemic barriers—deeply ingrained in white-dominated leadership structures—that continue to exclude South Asians from the professional game. His story shines a light on how racism, nationalism, and entrenched financial interests maintain the status quo, limiting broader representation in football.

The Enduring Grip of Systemic Racism & White Coaching Domination

The statistics are clear: while 43% of Premier League players are Black, over 95% of coaches in the English Football League (EFL) and Premier League are white. This is not merely underrepresentation; it’s systemic exclusion. South Asians like Yoganathan face a near-impenetrable glass ceiling. Cracking into the professional ranks is an uphill battle, but achieving leadership or managerial roles feels almost impossible. Efforts by governing bodies, including the FA, have amounted to nothing more than token gestures. True reform remains elusive.

This institutional racism mirrors the experience of Kevin Campbell, an Arsenal player, who in 1992 questioned why Black faces were absent from a mural at Highbury. His powerful query—"Mr. Dein, where are my brothers?"—still resonates today. Like Campbell, Yoganathan’s challenge to the status quo highlights the stubborn invisibility of minority representation.

Internalized Racism and Stereotypes: A Barrier Within

Beyond institutional hurdles, South Asians face internalized cultural barriers. Within their communities, football is often overshadowed by "respectable" career paths like law or medicine. The sport is dismissed as an impractical career, reinforcing stereotypes that pigeonhole South Asians into pursuits like cricket. To dismantle these barriers, visibility is paramount: as the adage goes, "You can’t be what you can’t see."

In 2009, Sunil Chhetri’s dream to play for Queen’s Park Rangers was crushed when his work permit was denied under FIFA regulations that prioritize certain national rankings. India’s lower rank blocked Chhetri’s entry into English football. This rule underscores the intersection of nationalism and institutional bias, perpetuating racial hierarchies that favor European and South American players. Chhetri’s exclusion demonstrates how merit takes a backseat to exclusionary criteria that discriminate based on nationality—and, by extension, race.

Football’s Institutional Racism: An Unspoken Reality

Despite efforts like Kick It Out, football continues to grapple with deeply ingrained systemic racism. Today’s racism may not always be overt—it’s often structural and invisible. Nathan Ellington, a former Premier League player, has spoken about how minority players need to work twice as hard for the same recognition. This dominance of white culture across clubs—from the boardroom to the locker room—limits opportunities for non-white players and coaches alike. Other players, like Yan Dhanda, have spoken out about the racism and exclusion they’ve faced, calling for greater support and visibility.

The Premier League, while English in origin, is global in reach. With 1.87 billion viewers in 189 countries, it holds an immense responsibility to prioritize inclusivity—not just on the pitch but also in leadership. Its global dominance makes this more than just a domestic issue; it’s a reflection of football’s role in shaping the world’s cultural landscape. Failing to ensure diverse representation is a disservice to the sport’s global audience.

Conclusion: The Unfinished Work in Football

Yoganathan’s success is undoubtedly progress, but it also highlights the long road ahead. The persistent dominance of white coaches, the systemic racism entrenched in football’s structure, and the cultural barriers within South Asian communities all contribute to a deafening silence that keeps talented players from flourishing.

As we celebrate individual victories like Yoganathan’s, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: after over 50 years of South Asian presence in the UK, why have we failed to achieve representation that reflects our numbers and legacy? The glaring absence of proportional representation is not just a missed opportunity—it demands serious introspection and urgent action.

Football’s future depends on breaking down these invisible walls, ensuring that talent, not race or nationality, dictates success.