Iffy Onuora Appointed as The WFA’s first-ever Ambassador

We’re delighted to announce Iffy Onuora as the first-ever Ambassador for The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA).

Ex-professional footballer, Ifem “Iffy” Onuora, a highly respected figure across football, has been appointed as the inaugural Ambassador for the WFA. This appointment is a natural extension of his ongoing role as the Premier League’s Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Professional Pathways, where he plays a crucial role in promoting best practices across the league. Appointed in April 2021, Iffy also chairs the Premier League’s Black Participants Advisory Group (BPAG) and leads on significant initiatives such as the “No Room For Racism” action plan and the flagship Player to Executive Pathways Scheme (PEPS).

Prior to his role at the Premier League, Iffy spent nine years with the Players Union (PFA) as both a Coach Educator and Equalities Executive. During this time, he also served as a Trustee for the anti-racism organisation Kick It Out and was a member of the FA Council as part of the FA’s Inclusion and Advisory Board. His deep commitment to equality and inclusion has been a defining aspect of his career, both on and off the field. Before joining the PFA in 2013, Iffy held several coaching roles, including Assistant Head Coach and Head Coach positions in the UK and abroad, following a distinguished fifteen-year playing career that spanned three decades.

In his capacity with the Premier League, Iffy works closely with key organisations such as Stonewall and Kick It Out, helping to drive initiatives that create a more inclusive environment within football. His efforts continue to shape how clubs address equality and diversity, embedding these principles at the heart of the sport.

Iffy’s new role with the WFA perfectly aligns with his extensive experience in advancing inclusivity. The WFA’s medium-term strategy, covering the 2024/2025 to 2026/2027 seasons, prioritises growth, increasing participation, and raising the profile of Powerchair Football – goals that resonate with Iffy’s lifelong commitment to equality in the game.

As the WFA moves forward, his experience will be valuable in supporting the organisation’s mission. In his role as an Ambassador, he will advocate for Powerchair Football, assist in initiatives aimed at involving underrepresented groups, and work towards helping make the sport more inclusive.

His appointment is likely to support The WFA’s efforts to make Powerchair Football more accessible, strengthen relationships with clubs, and help introduce initiatives that further engage communities throughout England.

Speaking on his appointment as a WFA Ambassador, Iffy Onuora said: “I’m delighted and humbled to be asked to be an Ambassador for The WFA, especially insofar as it underscores my lifelong commitment to equality in all its forms. I look forward to engaging further with all The WFA family involved in the governance and participation of the sport, and am excited to play my role in bringing Powerchair Football to a wider audience.”

Dean Williams, Chairperson of The WFA, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Iffy to our Powerchair Football family. We have been deliberately looking for a handful of individuals who have an insatiable appetite for the game, a commitment to what we are trying to achieve, and the opportunity to share and shout about what a wonderful sport this is. Iffy is a perfect fit for us – his knowledge, experience, and passion for equality, diversity, and inclusivity are exactly what we were looking for.”