Sadiq is a leading employment lawyer with St Philips Chambers, where he specialises in commercial and sporting issues. He told HR magazine he has always been "a huge football fan" so was delighted to be able to use his skills in the fight against discrimination.
The panel is charged with tackling all forms of discrimination within the game, including among the staff of football clubs nationwide. Sadiq believes there is a problem with discrimination at football clubs and that employees must be able to feel confident about speaking out.
"Discrimination could take many forms, from racial abuse to homophobia or sexism," he said. "It's important that people feel they can report this without recrimination or reprisals.
"New whistleblowing laws incorporate the fact protection requires an element of a disclosure being in the public interest. I'd be surprised if that was not seen as the case in football," he added.
The panel was set up as a response to high-profile incidents of footballers, including Liverpool's Luis Suárez, using racist language during games. Sadiq, who has a background in employment law, wants to implement a zero-tolerance policy.
"Whether it's racist language or homophobic abuse, people need to know that it's unacceptable," he said. "Often this will go on in backroom activity behind closed doors, so it's important that everyone is aware this needs to be dealt with in the case of all employees."
Sadiq added that the FA, as with other governing bodies, must be seen to be "leading from the front" on matters of discrimination, and has taken this seriously when appointing members to the anti-discrimination panel.
"We have gone out and recruited 50 people from all backgrounds so it is a very diverse group," he said. "We have people from ethnic minorities, people who are openly gay and disabled people. We need to reflect the diversity and acceptance we are encouraging within our own staff."
