Campaigners are hoping that a new report, which labels football as "institutionally racist", will serve as a catalyst for change within the game.

The report, compiled by the Independent Football Commission was due to be published but details of what it said were leaked in advance.

According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the IFC wants the Football Association, Football League and Premier League to 'co-opt' more staff and board members from ethnic minorities.

The Government-backed report also calls for more work to improve the racial mix of those involved in playing, coaching and watching the game in the next three years - thereby avoiding the need for a Whitehall-appointed football 'czar'.

Piara Powar, director of the anti-racism Kick It Out campaign, who has read the report, revealed that he "accepted and understood" the use of the phrase.

"However, it has become so loaded that it can provoke defensive responses. We talk in terms of exclusions and a lack of adequate representation," he said.

"Our view is that there is an issue of exclusion within the game, whether it relates to the representation of ethnic minorities among players, supporters or coaches, as well as the governing bodies.

"We're hoping that this report can provide a positive springboard for further change to address these issues, especially where change is not already on the agenda."

Powar believes that the responsibility for these changes must be shared between the governing bodies, as well as the clubs.

"The FA have to make sure they are doing everything they can about these issues so that they are providing good leadership and then we need to develop practical solutions."

Powar insisted, "The report does make some harsh criticisms but also acknowledges that some important changes have taken place.

"Some clubs are doing very good work. While Leeds and Leicester are mentioned in the report, there is also great work being done at other clubs, like Charlton, Blackburn and Manchester United."

The FA have, meanwhile, admitted their "disappointment" at the selective leaking" of the report, which has been compiled by university academics over the past year.

"It is particularly disappointing, given the massive strides that English football has made to combat racism and promote equality of access to the game," the FA said in a statement.