FARE Action Week against racism

United against discrimination
Between 14 and 26 October, fans, ethnic minorities and football clubs will stand united against discrimination. The Action Week will be taking place for the fifth successive year. For the first time, European football's premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League, will join the FARE Action Week. All 16 Champions League matches played on 19 and 20 October will feature symbolic action against racism.

High-profile action
Each team will be accompanied on to the pitch by children wearing Unite Against Racism t-shirts, and tannoy announcements will be made before each game. UEFA and FARE intend to use this high-profile action to communicate the philosophy of the Action Week to the entire European football family.

Range of initiatives
FARE urges supporters to become involved by producing an anti-racist leaflet, fanzine, banner, fan choreography or organising a community event. FARE will provide an average of €400 for chosen local initiatives. A wide range of initiatives such as fan groups, ethnic minority and migrant groups, grassroot football teams and schools will be supported.

Concerted campaign
In 2001, during the first edition of the FARE Action Week, some 40 fan groups and anti-racism initiatives in eight countries kicked off a concerted campaign against racism and intolerance. "The idea was to address local problems within one's own club or community, while at the same time contributing to a transnational dimension in tackling the problem of racism and discrimination in football," the organisation said.

Record participation
Last season's FARE Action Week saw record participation: in 23 European countries more than 300 fan clubs, teams, national associations and ethnic minority and migrant organisations became active. "Particularly encouraging was the strong involvement of associations, clubs and non-governmental organisations in eastern and central Europe," a FARE spokesman said.

Campaign material
FARE is making campaign material such as the 2004 Action Week poster and a FARE anti-racism fanzine in four languages. The electronic version of the poster can be downloaded from the FARE website. Click here to download.

For further details on the FARE Action Week, refer to the FARE website. Click here.