UEFA wins prestigious Fair Play award

UEFA has won the International Committee for Fair Play (CIFP) Willi Daume World Fair Play Trophy for its Fair Play campaign - in particular for the promotion of respect and fair play at last summer's UEFA EURO 2008™ finals tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

Istanbul ceremony
UEFA first vice-president Şenes Erzik received the award on behalf of UEFA President Michel Platini at a gala ceremony in Istanbul on 26 January, held under the auspices of CIFP, UNESCO and the IOC, and hosted by the Turkish National Olympic Committee. UEFA was praised for its Respect Fair Play campaign against all forms of racism or attacks on football's spirit, initiated by Michel Platini last spring, with the atmosphere at UEFA EURO 2008™ giving what the CIFP described as a remarkable illustration of the campaign's impact.

EURO exposure
The word 'Respect' was given considerable initial exposure at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland, via initiatives such as respecting the game, the opposition's national anthem, the referees, environment and diversity. The 'Respect' logo was visible on every shirt and every drinks bottle.

Respect diversity
The campaign has been expanded to all UEFA competitions and events, and the word is also being spread by the football family at national and local levels. This is in accordance with the view that there must be respect for the difference and diversity that enriches our continent – in concrete terms, this means strengthening the fight against social ills such as racism, violence, xenophobia and homophobia, and reinforced backing for our partners who promote sport for the disabled.