FARE match in Nyon

FAREAS team
Staff members of European football’s governing body and footballers from the Fondation Vaudoise pour l'Accueil des Requérants d'Asile (FAREAS), which works on behalf of asylum seekers in UEFA's home Swiss canton of Vaud, came together to highlight this worthwhile campaign. The game, which FAREAS won 4-0, was staged at the Colovray stadium opposite UEFA's headquarters in Nyon.

Stand united
The match was one of a host of events taking place across Europe to mark the fifth annual Action Week staged by the Football Against Racism in Europe organisation (FARE), one of UEFA's major charity partners. Until 26 October, fans, ethnic minorities and football clubs will stand united against discrimination and intolerance.

Vital work
Each of Switzerland's cantons is involved on behalf of those who come to seek asylum in the country, and FAREAS undertakes this vital work in the western Swiss canton of Vaud, helping and advising asylum-seekers in areas such as accommodation, social assistance and health insurance.

Great honour
"It's a great honour for the players to come to UEFA, especially to play a match for such an important cause as the campaign against racism in football," said FAREAS social assistant Romuald Djomo. The FAREAS team were shown around UEFA’s headquarters, and had the opportunity to view the European trophies on display at the House of European Football before playing the match.

Football enthusiasts
“The team comprises players from around the world, in particular French-speaking African countries. Many of them get together at weekends to play sport, especially football," Mr Djomo added. 

Champions League action
The UEFA Champions League is also featured heavily in the FARE Action Week, with all 16 games in the competition featuring symbolic action against racism.

Wide message
Each team will be accompanied on to the pitch by children wearing Unite Against Racism t-shirts, and tannoy announcements will be made before each match. UEFA and FARE intend to use this high-profile action to communicate the philosophy of the Action Week to the entire European football family.

For further details on the FARE Action Week, refer to the FARE website. Click here.