Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall believes ‘women’s football has a diversity problem’

Arsenal Manager Jonas Eidevall believes women’s football in England has a problem with diversity. (Rhianna Chadwick/PA)

Jonas Eidevall admits Arsenal have a “problem” with the lack of diversity in their first-team squad – but believes it is an issue across all of women’s football in England.

The Gunners were heavily criticised last month after their squad photograph for the 2023/24 season contained no players from diverse backgrounds.

Having initially declined to comment on the issue, Arsenal later published a statement admitting it was a “key priority” to improve diversity.

“We acknowledge our current women’s first-team squad does not reflect the diversity that exists across the club and the communities we represent,” it read.

“Increasing participation among young women and girls from diverse backgrounds is a key priority for us at academy level, with specific measures in place to improve pathways and accessibility.”

Eidevall was asked about the widespread condemnation of the picture ahead of Arsenal’s Women’s Super League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

“I haven’t seen much reaction online but I think where we come from, north London, we are very proud of our community,” he said.

“It is a diverse community. The history of the club, both the men’s first team and the women’s first team has very proud history of players coming from diverse backgrounds as well and made the club very proud of that.

“So, us not having that diversity in the first team women’s today – of course, that is a problem.”

Jonas Eidevall has called on the FA to help increase the level of diversity in women’s football (Isaac Parkin/PA)

Last year, a report conducted by the BBC estimated that black, Asian and minority ethic players made up a