A report calling for far- reaching action from the football authorities to address the exclusion of Asians in the game was launched at Highbury.

The report, entitled 'Asians Can Play Football: A Wasted Decade', argues that young Asians are being 'discriminated out of the game' by stereotyping and a lack of clear approaches in developing Asian footballing talent.

The two sections of the report look at the lack of progress since the issue was first raised ten years ago, and sets out action taken by the Asian community at the grassroots of the game.

The authors who are experts and practitioners in the field, have come together under the banner of the Asians in Football Forum.

The formal launch of the report was hosted by Jas Bains, Chair of the Forum, who will be joined by Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out, and representatives of the Asian footballing community.

Jas Bains, Chair of the Forum, said, "Within the Asian footballing community there is a feeling that The FA as a governing body have failed successive generations of young talented footballers of Asian background.

"The pitifully low numbers of Asian professionals, set against the huge interest and passion for the sport within the community, is symbolic of the way in which football has discriminated us out of the game through stereotyping and a lack of action to address this issue.

"On the positive side we are happy to report that grassroots clubs, organisations and volunteers have taken the lead in developing football within Asian communities despite barriers and frustrations they may face.

"There are many good things going on in the game that the Asian community want to be a part of. It's time now for a seismic shift in the way we are viewed in professional football."