England's Premier League introduces mandatory sexual consent training for all players

England's Premier League is launching a mandatory sexual consent training that all players and staff will have to attend.

They'll be taught on 'healthy, respectful relationships', according to the BBC, as well as harassment.

The Telegraph reports the lessons were introduced following a spate of allegations against players within the Premier League.

The Premier League already had workshops about consent and sexual harassment, however that was only for 'academy and first-team players from under-14s to under-23s', the news outlet states.

The Premier League reportedly met with campaign groups End Violence for Women, the Three Hijabis and Level Up to get their advice on how to tackle the situation.

Those groups sent the Premier League an open letter earlier this year demanding the FA and Premier League address the 'culture of gender-based violence'.

News Images LTD / Alamy Stock Photo

The letter stated: "It is clear that our beautiful game has an ugly underside when it comes to violence against women.

It added: "It's time for the FA and Premier League to confront a culture of gender-based violence."

The groups said the FA and Premier League had to 'show which side they are on when it comes to violence against women and girls' and explained how changing attitudes within football could have a wider impact on society.

"Football players and the teams they play for have a unique position in shaping the attitudes of boys and men," the letter continued.

"Their behaviour both on and off the pitch is influential, and transforming the culture in football will have a seismic impact on wider society."

Months after that open letter was sent, it looks like those calls have been answered.

End Violence Against Women Coalition director Andrea Simon has praised the Premier League for understanding their campaign.

"Today's announcement is a long overdue and important first step in the right direction," she said (via the BBC).

"Gender-based violence is a pervasive and systemic issue that must be addressed across the football industry as a whole, with urgent and coordinated action."

In addition to mandatory consent and relationship workshops, the women's groups said the Premier League needs to have 'clear sexual misconduct policies and protocols' as well as a promise to 'tackle unacceptable behaviour'.

Topics: Sport, Premier League

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie