WSL: Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal's lack of diversity is a problem

Arsenal's 27-strong 2023-24 squad features no black, Asian or ethnic minority players

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall believes his team's lack of diversity is a "problem" following criticism of an all-white women's squad photo last month.

The picture posted on social media included 27 players and boss Eidevall.

Fans criticised the club for having no black or ethnic minority players.

"Where we come from, north London, we are very proud of our community. It is a diverse community," said Eidevall.

"The women's first team has a very proud history of players coming from diverse backgrounds and made the club very proud of that.

"So us not having that diversity in the women's first team today, of course that is a problem."

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In a statement released by the club last month, Arsenal said increasing diversity was a "key priority".

Earlier this year, a review into women's football - chaired by former England midfielder Karen Carney - identified the need to create greater diversity on and off the pitch.

Ex-Brighton defender Fern Whelan said in the report that the lack of diversity across the women's game needed to be "urgently addressed".

In 2021 it was estimated that the proportion of black, Asian and minority players in the Women's Super League was between 10 and 15%.

"I think women's football has a diversity problem in getting especially people of colour involved more in football, not only at the top level, but also at the grassroots level," added Eidevall.

"I think we have to work with it, but also the FA and other clubs."