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Introduction: Asst. Programmes: Respect

The 'Respect' campaign, which will feature prominently at future UEFA competitions and events, was launched in the spring of 2008. "Respect can be used as an umbrella term for lots of different initiatives," says UEFA President Michel Platini. "It is a word that is readily understood in many languages."

The word 'Respect' was given considerable initial exposure at the UEFA EURO 2008TM tournament in Austria and Switzerland, via initiatives such as respecting the game, the opposition's national anthem, the referees, the environment and diversity. The 'Respect' logo was visible on every shirt and every drinks bottle.

For many years, UEFA and European football have been involved at all levels of society, enabling football to use its enormous popularity to help in combating social ills, promoting civic commitments and defending major humanitarian causes. The time finally arrived for the European bodies to bring these campaigns together to strengthen their impact. UEFA is continuing to highlight a concept which epitomises all of its work at the level of social responsibility - respect. Respect for opponents, in the cities, in the stands and on the pitch.

The campaign is expanding to all UEFA competitions and events, and the word will also be 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.

More info: Asst. Programmes: Respect

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