Racism 'an evil and a poison'

By Luke Williams

Personalities in attendance
The conference, staged at Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge stadium in London and organised by UEFA, the pan-European Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network and the English Football Association (FA), is being attended by representatives of Europe's national associations and clubs, as well as supporters' groups and numerous football personalities.

Proceedings begin
Proceedings began this morning with welcome messages from Mike Lee, UEFA's director of communications and public affairs; Lord Herman Ouseley, the chairman of the 'Kick It Out' organisation and a representative of FARE; David Davies, the FA's acting chief executive; and Mr Aigner.

'Why tackle racism?'
Mr Aigner then addressed delegates with a speech entitled 'Why tackle racism?' The UEFA CEO called the conference a "historic gathering" in the campaign to "unite against racism". He said: "We have to be prepared to reflect on the duty we have to provide leadership in the social, educational and ethical dimensions to our work. This is why we have to tackle racism, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination and hatred."

'Special responsibility'
Mr Aigner also argued that those who are directly involved in football "bear a special and particular responsibility...to utilise our work and our sport for the good of the society as a whole". He said: "For me, this is the context in which we must view racism. It is an evil and a poison which sadly afflicts many societies on our continent. Sometimes it is hidden, sometimes it is open, often it is institutionalised, more often than not it is neither understood nor recognised. It is a problem which is created and stimulated outside of football, but which is often given expression and public focus through our game.

Disciplinary rules strengthened
"All of us here today have to acknowledge its presence within our game - but I trust we all share a belief and a determination that it will be tackled, that it will be challenged and, ultimately, that it will be eradicated," Mr Aigner continued, before adding that he believed UEFA had accepted this responsibility. "We have strengthened our disciplinary rules, embarked on a co-operation with Football Against Racism in Europe, created a new fund to support the anti-racism campaigns of our 52 member associations and published a ten-point plan of action, which we hope will be adopted throughout Europe."

More must be done
However, Mr Aigner also recognised that much more must still be done. "We need to campaign and to educate, and also to seek to ensure proper representation for minority groups at every level of the game," he said. "That is exactly why we are here today."

Compare experiences
On the role of the conference, Mr Aigner said: "Today gives us all an opportunity to compare experiences, to admit that we don’t always get things right, and to look at those campaigns and actions that have helped combat racism, whether it be at the top professional or grassroots level." The UEFA Chief Executive then closed his speech with a rallying call to players, fans and officials across the continent: "Today we can begin the journey down the next stage of the road. I am glad that you are here, and I am certain that together we can make a real difference."

Draft guide
Later in the day, the conference will see presentations by European football personalities, in-depth workshops and a panel session including players who are active in the campaign against racism. A draft guide on measures to tackle racism in European football will also be published at the conference.