Aigner continues anti-racism fight

UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner has called on Europe's national football associations to do their utmost in the battle to drive racism out of football.

Provide momentum
Speaking at the XXVII Ordinary UEFA Congress in Rome, Mr Aigner said that the recent anti-racism conference in London, organised by UEFA and the pan-European Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, should give momentum to the growing movement against what he called "this reprehensible development in our society".

Work starts
"We cannot leave it there and simply say that it was a great conference," the UEFA CEO said. "I am fully aware that the work starts from the conference and must not conclude. We have to be aware that [racism] can happen to every club and association in an unforeseeable way. Somehow we have been confronted more in recent months by this phenomenon than in the years before," he added, emphasising that UEFA had been prompt in its actions to crack down on instances of racist conduct.

'In our interests'
Referring to UEFA's move to make a financial contribution to each association which presented a plan to combat racism, Mr Aigner said: "I plead to all associations to support our efforts and accept the backing that UEFA offers. We continue the battle – it is in all our interests."

Standing ovation
At the Congress, Mr Aigner was given a standing ovation following his announcement on Tuesday that he is to retire at the end of the year after 34 years with UEFA. "It is the only opportunity that I have to say how much I have enjoyed working for you, and how much I have appreciated the trust that you have put in me, and your understanding for decisions that I had to take," said the CEO, visibly moved at the delegates' reaction.

Co-optation approved
Representatives of the 52 European associations approved a proposal by the UEFA Executive Committee that will give the committee itself the possibility to appoint up to two members in addition to those already elected by the Congress. The move is intended to guarantee balanced geographical representation of Executive Committee members. The two co-opted members will attend all Executive Committee meetings and take part in the deliberations. However, they will not be eligible to vote

Senior figures
The Congress was attended by political figures and world football dignitaries, including the deputy Italian prime minister, Gianfranco Fini, and the president of the world football body FIFA, Joseph S. Blatter. In his address to Congress, Dr Fini echoed sentiments expressed in the speech given to the Congress by UEFA President Lennart Johansson, in that football acted as a strong unifying force in moments of crisis such as the one facing the world at present. Football, he said, encouraged respect of rules and respect for opponents.

Better climate
Mr Blatter expressed the view that the political climate within the football family had improved over the past year. The FIFA president, re-elected for a second term last summer, said: "I have to say that something has changed. There was quite a division, but today it is wonderful to be here with a family where unity, trust and credibility has been restored. This is necessary, because we all have a responsibility to take care of football."