Is football still a beautiful game? With former FA boss David Bernstein

How football bridges borders and unites communities.

NW London Location

What responsibility does football have beyond the pitch, and how can it bring people together in divided times?

For an exclusive event on the good, the bad and the ugly in the game – from bringing peace in the Middle East to financial scandal, and everything in between.

Join David Bernstein CBE, one of the most influential and respected figures in British football, former Chairman of The Football Association and Manchester City Football Club, and International President of Equalizer, for a special in-conversation event, alongside Yaniv Kusevitzky of Equalizer, and Jonathan Metliss, Chairman, Action Against Discrimination, plus Tomer Hemed, former Israeli International footballer and Academy Coach at Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

Drawing on decades at the highest levels of the game, Bernstein will share his perspective on leadership, integrity, and football’s unique power to shape communities and foster connection. From grassroots to the boardroom, his experience offers rare insight into how the sport can drive meaningful social impact.

At the heart of the discussion is the work of Equalizer, an organisation in Israel using football to unite young people from diverse communities. Through the game, Equalizer promotes education, equality, and social cohesion, building bridges where they are needed most.

Together, the panel will explore how football can transcend divisions, share personal journeys through sport, and spotlight powerful, human stories of connection and resilience.

What can the beautiful game teach us about coexistence and shared values, and how can its influence help build a more connected future?

This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of football’s leading voices alongside those delivering real impact on the ground.

Tomer Hemed is an Israeli former professional footballer who played as a forward and now coaches in Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy. His playing career took him across Spain, England, Australia and Israel, and he earned 38 caps for the Israel national team.

Jonathan Metliss is an experienced corporate lawyer and chairman of Action Against Discrimination, a charity he established to tackle racism and antisemitism in sport, particularly football. He organises and promotes community events addressing antisemitism in the game. A founding partner of law firm SJ Berwin, he brings decades of experience across business, sport and Jewish communal life, including service on Kick It Out’s advisory group and the Government’s Working Group on Football Disorder. A committed supporter of Israel and Israel-related charities, Jonathan is passionate about inclusion and football’s power to bring communities together.

The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.

For security reasons, the event location will be confirmed 48 hours before the event.