Rimla Akhtar MBE
Chair of Muslim Women's Sports Foundation

Rimla Akhtar MBE is the first Muslim woman to sit on the Football Association Council, and is chair of the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation, an organisation that seeks to raise awareness and provide opportunities for women, particularly from minority ethnic communities, to participate in sporting activities that take into consideration religious and cultural sensitivities.

Rimla is an inclusion and diversity specialist, and an experienced speaker and conference moderator. A qualified chartered accountant, she holds a number of positions including on the National Race Equality Advisory Group, the Asian and Muslim Women and Girls Working Group, and the Referees Diversity Action Group.

Rimla captained the British Muslim Women’s football team in 2005, played cricket for her county as a teenager, was selected in 2012 as one of 400 women to be recognised by the Women of the Year scheme, and in 2013 was given the Community Award at the Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswomen of the Year Awards. 

Rimla brings her unique perspective on sport, teamwork and diversity to organisations seeking to challenge, engage and inspire their people.