Patrick Vieira and Morten Thorsby call for action on racism and climate change at UEFA Respect Forum
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Article summary
Thorsby: "Footballers have '100 times the influence' of politicians and scientists."
Vieira: "A number of players want to make a positive impact on the world."
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Former French international Patrick Vieira and Union Berlin midfielder Morten Thorsby have called on players across European football to use their influence to raise awareness and take action on crucial social and environmental issues.
Speaking at the inaugural UEFA Respect Forum in Frankfurt on Wednesday, both Vieira and Thorsby highlighted the changing understanding among athletes about their role beyond the field.
Thorsby, a member of Norway's national team, emphasised the responsibility of fellow professionals to speak up about causes they care about, noting that footballers wield "100 times the influence" of politicians and scientists. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by societal expectations that players should focus on football.
We Play Green
Thorsby has established We Play Green, an organisation that facilitates communication and action among footballers on climate and environmental matters, aiming to overcome barriers related to awareness, inspiration and information.
"Players do care and they do see that this is a huge problem, but they don't realise how they can play a role. That's what I think is the key – to get them to understand that they really do have a role to play in this," Thorsby said.
Shift in mentality
Vieira, an Arsenal legend who triumphed at UEFA EURO 2000 with France, highlighted a shift in mentality from his generation of footballers to the present, with a number of players having a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Nevertheless, Vieira cautioned that combating discrimination and racism in football also requires the backing of institutions, clubs and federations to ensure that those responsible for such behaviour face appropriate consequences.
"We can't expect minority players to fight discrimination by themselves, they need support," he said. "When I was younger, I was really inspired by some players who opened my eyes and made me understand I had a responsibility as a black player to show togetherness. It's important for me today to open the eyes of the next generation and build the tools that will allow us to change people’s mindsets."
Education crucial
Both Vieira and Thorsby highlighted education as a crucial tool in tackling racial discrimination and addressing environmental issues like climate change, especially in engaging fans.
Vieira
"I think it's important for clubs to build closer relationships with the fans to make them understand that there is a way that you have to conduct yourself when you're at the stadium. If you don't respect those rules, there will be consequences."
Thorsby
"If all the players got involved that would help as the fans would listen to them, and that's what I'm focusing on.
"We need pressure from all sides and if we manage to get the players on board as well we'll create a power that would change things."