OFFICIAL STATEMENT

The Paul Canoville Foundation 23 April 2026

The Paul Canoville Foundation is aware of the statement issued by Millwall Supporters’ Club regarding the misuse of their registered club badge in an educational booklet distributed to primary school children.

We wish to be unequivocal: this booklet was not produced by, commissioned by, or approved by The Paul Canoville Foundation or our Founder, Paul Canoville.

Our involvement in the associated programme was limited solely to Paul’s personal appearance; meeting students and sharing his lived experience. At no stage were we shown, consulted on, or asked to approve the content of the booklet, including any illustrations within it.

We understand the illustration in question is a depiction of a real incident Paul experienced whilst playing for Chelsea Reserves against Millwall Reserves in the 1980s, in which he was subjected to serious racial abuse by a number of individuals wearing Ku Klux Klan-style white hoods. This was one of many incidents of racist abuse Paul endured during his career, incidents that form the foundation of the educational and cultural work the Foundation exists to advance.

We are not in a position to speak to other party’s editorial decisions, their use of third-party intellectual property, or the legal position between other organisations. Those are matters for the parties involved.

What we can say is this: Paul’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the cost of racism in football.

We hope all parties can resolve this matter respectfully, and we remain committed to ensuring Paul’s legacy is told truthfully and on his terms.

Raphael Frascogna
Chief Executive Officer

The Paul Canoville Foundation