FIFA mounts anti-racist action
Monday, June 20, 2005
Article summary
World football's governing body is preparing for its fourth FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day.
Article body
By Mark Chaplin
Special message
A FIFA spokesman said: "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."
Official protocol
FIFA will dedicate both semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup, as well as the quarter-final matches of the FIFA World Youth Championship to special activity on the pitch. Before kick-off at those matches, both team captains will read a declaration condemning and rejecting 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 unequivocal 'Say No to Racism' message as part of the official pre-match protocol.
Worldwide action
FIFA is also encouraging its member associations to help spread this message worldwide by joining this action and adopting the same declaration by the captains and activities on the pitch.
'Not powerless'
"Racism is still rearing its ugly head in society and unfortunately, football is not immune to this scourge," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. "Thankfully, we are not powerless against this blight. Sport - and especially football - has the unique ability to use its unifying power to combat social ills such as racism and violence, and FIFA, as the world governing body for football, is totally committed to taking steps to fight these pernicious trends not just on the pitch, but in society as well."
Anti-racism ambassadors
In 2001, FIFA passed a resolution against discrimination which is now more pertinent than ever. Also, at its meeting in March, the FIFA Executive Committee ratified the FIFA President's proposed creation of a group of FIFA anti-racism ambassadors in response to the most recent outbreaks of racism. This group, which will bring together some of the leading players and coaches both past and present, is headed by Arsenal FC and France striker Thierry Henry.
