FARE open anti-racist week

The pan-European Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network begins 12 days of activities against racism and intolerance in football on Thursday.

Concerted campaign
The third FARE Action Week, which continues until 28 October, will involve national football associations, professional clubs, fan groups, community and migrant organisations, and schools, in a concerted campaign to make people aware of the evils of racism within the game.

UEFA partner
FARE is a member of UEFA's charity portfolio, and has been given substantial financial assistance by European football's governing body.

Plan of action
Last week, UEFA and FARE joined forces to urge the European football community to fight racism in the sport. A ten-point plan of action was distributed throughout the football family, highlighting the various measures that could be taken to punish racist conduct on and off the field.

Events and written material
For its action week, FARE is offering a small donation to community and migrant groups, as well as to football supporters, to produce anti-racist leaflets and banners, and to organise community events.

 UEFA match
On Wednesday, 23 October, UEFA’s staff football team will play the Black-Stars, a team of African players from the Swiss city of Fribourg. The match will be played at the Colovray stadium, opposite UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, kicking off at 20.00CET.

Cancer of racism
"We want to see the 'beautiful game' played without the cancer of racism,” a FARE statement read. “Football is the biggest sport in the world and belongs to us all. It should be the right of every person to play, watch and discuss freely, without fear.”

Unacceptable behaviour
”Unfortunately, at all levels of the game, from amateur to international, there are incidents of racism,” it added. “Be it from fans, players, clubs or other football bodies, FARE believes that such behaviour, on and off the field, is unacceptable and unwanted by the majority of fans and players.

 United front
”FARE aims to rid the game of racism by combining the resources of anti-racist football organisation throughout Europe. It helps to support and nurture groups and coordinates efforts on an European scale. By working together, FARE helps organisations share good practice and present a united front against racism in football.”