FIFA establish world agenda

By Mark Chaplin

Alongside UEFA and its partner organisation FARE (Football Against Racism In Europe network), world football's governing body FIFA is also a tireless campaigner in the fight to eliminate racism from football. FIFA's latest contribution to the campaign is its fourth worldwide Anti-Discrimination Day over the weekend of 24 to 26 June.

Blight on society
"Although rejection of any form of discrimination should apply all year round, the FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day gives the football family the opportunity to join together and amplify its voice in condemning this blight on society all around the world," FIFA has told its members.

Pernicious trends
"FIFA is well aware of the power of sport (and especially football) to combat racism and violence, and is totally committed to taking steps to eradicate these pernicious trends in society and football," it said.

Special activity
FIFA is to dedicate both semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany on 25 and 26 June, as well as the quarter-final matches in the FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands on 24 and 25 June, to a special activity on the pitch.

Captains' declaration
Before kick-off at these matches, both team captains will read a declaration condemning discrimination in football and society, and firmly saying "no" to racism. Both teams and the match officials will also pose jointly with a banner displaying the message "Say No to Racism" as part of the pre-match protocol.

Spread the message
FIFA is encouraging its member associations to help spread the message worldwide by joining the action with similar activities on and off the pitch. The world body has also urged associations to repeat the pre-match protocol against racism at forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

President's concern
At the recent Ordinary UEFA Congress in Tallinn, Estonia, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter said that "racism has reared its ugly head again", citing the issue as one of the "dark clouds" on football's horizon.