Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out has criticised the Football Association for failing to charge Malky Mackay and Iain Moody over their controversial text message exchange.

Following a lengthy investigation, the FA confirmed on Wednesday that Mackay and Moody would not be punished for a series of allegedly racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic texts sent during their time at Cardiff City.

The FA claimed that the pair would avoid action because "the communications were sent with a legitimate expectation of privacy".

However, Kick It Out has now hit out at English football's governing body for failing to take a strong enough view on anti-discriminatory matters.

"Kick It Out is of the view that the Football Association has damaged its own credibility and anti-discrimination policies by taking the decision not to charge former Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic manager Malky Mackay and Iain Moody," read an official statement.

"The FA has continued to maintain a distinction between public and private communications. These messages were exchanged via work phones and emails, and when they did eventually emerge into the public domain, it became clear to many people that such held and expressed views had brought the game into disrepute unless dealt with effectively and expeditiously.

"It is Kick It Out's view that The FA needed to take a strong position to help prove football's 'zero-tolerance' approach towards discriminatory practices. Instead, we have another example of the status quo being reinforced, and discriminatory practices being allowed to flourish in 'no-go' areas such as within the exclusivity of boardrooms, training grounds and dressing rooms, and via private communication networks.

"How can anybody truly challenge discrimination and prejudiced attitudes in football with confidence now? The apparent reluctance to punish comments and behaviour considered as 'banter' or 'light-hearted culture' within these settings is entirely damaging. It is an insult to those affected by discrimination and offers the prospect of further victimisation if they are to take a stand and confront it.

"Too many people capable of discriminating operate in private, and they are acutely aware of what will land them in trouble if they act this way in the presence of others. The outcome of The FA's investigation in this case, after such an exhaustive process lasting nearly a whole year, will empower these individuals. The case symbolised a serious challenge to the leadership of football and sadly The FA has missed a key opportunity to send out a message to individuals who use private communications to express such unacceptable views."

Mackay made a return to management last year when taking over at Wigan Athletic, but he was dismissed in April after less than five months in charge.