Former employee accuses Premier League of racial discrimination; CEO Richard Masters to testify at employment tribunal next month

The Premier League will stand accused of racial discrimination by a former member of their equalities department in court next month.

Kay Badu, who joined the organisation in 2022, is taking the organisation to an employment tribunal on the grounds of racial discrimination, victimisation and harassment following his departure in December 2022.

The case is listed to be heard from May 7, with the case expected to take a number of days to complete.

The Premier League opened an official investigation into allegations of internal racism made by Badu, but the subsequent probe, carried out by an independent barrister, effectively cleared the organisation and its employees of discrimination.

Badu, who strenuously disagrees with the findings of the Premier League’s investigation, has launched his own legal case which will be heard in a fortnight’s time.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters (pictured) is set to be involved in the tribunal as a witness

Crucially, chief executive Richard Masters will be involved in proceedings as a witness. So, too, will Catherine Paterson, the Premier League’s director of people.

News of the imminent tribunal arrives after the Premier League reached an out of court settlement with an employee, who accused the organisation of racial discrimination, earlier this year.

Moloud Ghashghee – an IT technician at the Premier League – opened her own legal case on the grounds of race and disability discrimination.

But the dispute was settled just hours before the tribunal was due to start.

A statement read at the time: ‘As has previously been reported, a former employee of the Premier League brought a number of claims against the League which were due to be heard at an Employment Tribunal.

‘While the Premier League has always rejected those claims, it is now pleased that both parties have been able to resolve these issues without the need for the Tribunal to take place. The Premier League wishes her well in all her future endeavours.’