No let-up in fight against racism

Work and partnership
Writing in UEFA's newly-issued Guide to Good Practice, which passes on recommendations to clubs, associations and fans on how to deal with the phenomenon, Mr Aigner said that continuous work and a spirit of partnership would be needed to achieve permanent change.

Resurgence of incidents
"It has been sad to note in recent seasons that we have seen a resurgence of incidents of racism within the European football fraternity, in international matches as well as at club level," said the UEFA CEO.

'Racism is an evil'
"Racism is an evil. I can find no other way to describe it," he added. "It is a problem stimulated outside of football, but one which is too often given expression and public focus through our game. It must be eradicated."

Responsibility to act
Mr Aigner said that everyone who had a passion for football had a responsibility to act. "For our part UEFA is not willing to accept any incidents of racism, or broader expressions of racial prejudice or exclusion, without challenge. Whilst we recognise there are no easy answers, we are playing our part in one of the most decisive drives to help kick racism out of football."

Twenty sanctions
The Chief Executive said that since December 2000, when UEFA reinforced its disciplinary regulations against racism at football matches, 20 sanctions for racist incidents had been imposed by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body.

UEFA support
He also emphasised the support being given by UEFA to the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, the UEFA/FARE action plan issued last autumn to encourage action at club level, and UEFA's financial backing to associations willing to implement antiracist projects. The 'Unite Against Racism' conference in London in March, organised by UEFA, FARE and the English Football Association, had also been a key event in the campaign.

'Local and national realities'
"Lasting change will only be achieved through sustained work that reflects local and national realities, undertaken in a spirit of partnership," the UEFA CEO commented. "Given some of the problems facing us it will be a challenging road to travel, but they are challenges that all of us who care about the game and believe in its potential to unite should be prepared to face."

- Click here to read the guide in English.