Stormy, the chart-topping rapper, has shifted his focus towards tackling racial inequality in football. Following a report revealing that fewer than 7% of high-ranking football positions are held by individuals of Black or mixed heritage, Stormy is determined to make an impact.
"It's a painful statistic," Stormy, who hails from Croydon, shared. His Merky FC initiative, launching next year, aims to spark real change in the push for racial equality in football within the UK.
The announcement comes shortly after Patrick Vieira questioned the lack of advancements in minority representation outside of football.
A January report by the Black Football Players Partnership revealed that just 14% of the highest-qualified coaches in England were Black, despite 43% of players being of Black descent.
Merky FC will collaborate with organizations like Adidas and Sky Sports, offering long-term, salaried career opportunities in football to young individuals of Black heritage between the ages of 18 and 24.
"If you look at all the players on the field, at least it should have the support of powerful and influential individuals who are not just great footballers," Stormy explained.
"I hope that what we're doing will drive change."
This isn't Stormy's first endeavor towards raising representation within the industry. Through his Merky Foundation and Merky Books in collaboration with Penguin Random House, he's contributed to amplifying marginalized voices in the publishing sector. He also offers scholarships for Black University of Cambridge students to increase enrollment.
Adidas, a partner with whom Stormy has worked before, stated, "We are proud to collaborate with Stormzy on the launch of Merky FC, a program that directly tackles some of the biggest hurdles faced by young people in football today by creating a legacy in career opportunities with our partners in the field."
Stormy's ongoing commitment to promoting racial equality within the sport highlights his dedication to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for the underrepresented.
