UEFA 'showing leadership' in racism fight

The United Kingdom-based body campaigning against racism in football has praised UEFA for showing leadership in the fight to eliminate racist conduct and attitudes from the game.

Eve of conference
The chairman of the 'Kick It Out' organisation, Lord Herman Ouseley, was speaking on the eve of this week's 'Unite Against Racism' conference in London, organised by UEFA, the pan-European Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network and the English Football Association.

Significant milestone
"We hope that this conference can be a significant milestone in making an impact on the fight against racism in football across Europe," said Lord Ouseley, who will be co-chairing the conference at Stamford Bridge, London on Wednesday.

Expertise welcomed
"The fact that the event has been organised by UEFA, as Europe's governing body, in partnership with the FA, and through FARE – those on the ground with expertise in this issue – is to be welcomed," he added.

Growing campaign
Europe's national associations, clubs, supporters' groups and football personalities are attending the conference – the latest stage in a growing campaign to deal with the evil of racism in football.

Mutual learning
"The action-oriented agenda will provide opportunities for mutual learning and understanding of the nature of the problem, and, most importantly, set out examples of what action can be taken and how," said Lord Ouseley.

Crucial issue
"UEFA is showing leadership," he added. "How FAs and clubs move forward from Wednesday will be the crucial issue in ensuring that those fans and players that are victims of racism see positive change taking place."