Playing their part

Racial Equality Standard
The Racial Equality Standard for Professional Football Clubs, which has been developed by the English anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out in conjunction with the English Premiership, sets out a series of measures for professional clubs. The measures will see clubs working to a range of objectives that ensure equality policies are implemented in all areas of their operation, from stewarding to the recruitment of young players.

Difficult issues
Campaigners believe the Standard will help to tackle difficult issues such as representation from ethnic minorities within administration positions at clubs. All Premiership sides are working to meet the first level of the Standard within the next year.

Top guests
The launch of the Standard, hosted by Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley, has attracted guests such as Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, English Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick and UEFA director of communications and public affairs William Gaillard.

FARE network
Kick It Out is part of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, which has been working together with UEFA for several years in a concerted campaign to rid football of racism.

Tackling racism
"Professional football clubs, players and supporters have been striving to play their part in campaigning to tackle racism in football for a decade," said Lord Ouseley. "Our achievements so far should make us proud but they also provide stimulus for tackling exclusion and inequality.

New era
"We believe the Standard could provide the basis which would herald a new era in encouraging clubs to ensure that off the field of play, equality of opportunity, inclusion and fair treatment are at the heart of what they do. This will require the determination, commitment and sustainability on the part of those people who run and manage clubs, if we are to achieve any meaningful change."

Joint responsibility
"The FA Premier League is proud of the contribution its clubs have made in tackling racism in football," Scudamore added. "We all have a responsibility and a part to play in helping to put the Standard into practice. From the Premier League our message is simple; we are committed to succeeding in this area."