Seedorf: “There is no equal opportunity for black coaches”

Former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf has complained about the lack of job opportunities in European football because of his skin color. Although he can look back on a long playing career in Italy and briefly worked as a coach at AC Milan, he had waited in vain for new offers from the country, the 44-year-old told the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “No calls” came from the Netherlands, too.

“ The re are no equal opportunities for coaches: if we look at the numbers, there are no dark people in the most powerful positions in football,” he said.

“Best results through diversity”

Colleagues like the French Patrick Vieira and Thiery Henry have moved to New York or Canada. However, this debate affects society as a whole, Seedorf added in an interview on Sunday. “Everyone, especially those who can change things, have to feel the responsibility to create a performance-oriented world and to keep all doors open if one strives for top performance. Because the best results can come from diversity,” explained the ex-footballer.

Seedorf was born in Suriname in Africa and played 87 caps for the Netherlands. As a professional he played for Ajax Amsterdam, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan, among others. After leaving Milan, he worked as a coach for a few months in China, in Spain and with the Cameroon national team.