The Football Association (FA) says it is "proud" of plans to ensure at least a quarter of the England men's coaching staff is from Black, Asian, mixed or other ethnic backgrounds – responding to Reform UK complaints the strategy is "utter woke nonsense".
Former home secretary Suella Braverman, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform, wrote earlier on Monday to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham asking for the target to be scrapped.
It was introduced by the governing body two years ago, covering the men's senior team down to the under-17s, with the ambition of reaching 30% of their coaching teams being non-white, or at least 25%, by 2028.
Ms Braverman, who holds the equalities brief for Reform, said the men's team targets were "fundamentally flawed, inherently racist and bad for the game" because "the best coaches should get the job, not because of their skin colour, but because they are the best person for the job".
While she requested a meeting with Mr Bullingham to discuss their diversity, equality and inclusion policies, the governing body responded publicly within hours, defending the diversity plans while agreeing the "best people" would be appointed to jobs.
In full: FA's response to Reform criticism
An FA spokesperson told Sky News: "Football has the unique ability to break down barriers and bring communities together.
"Through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (EDI), we aim to ensure the game reflects the full diversity of our nation.
"This means opening up pathways and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds - including those from historically under-represented groups.
"While we will always take a meritocratic approach by appointing the best people for roles, we also recognise the importance of having a broader range of participants across the sport.
"We are proud that our strategy is supporting the growth of football among men, women, boys and girls from all communities."
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Ms Braverman had said she supports the FA's fight against racism in football.
But she said: "Your DEI strategy does precisely that, it divides rather than unites. It replaces merit with quotas and implements identity politics where teamwork, ability and hard graft should prevail."
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