Call for players to join fight

Clear message
The uniteagainstracism Conference in Barcelona on Wednesday closed with new issues raised, new ideas thrown into the melting pot and a clear message to the racists – there are many people who are committed to driving you away from the game. UEFA, in conjunction with its partners, has pledged to remain at the vanguard of the campaign.

Proposals
In a series of workshops and presentations, senior UEFA officials and the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, political figures and members of numerous activist bodies came up with innumerable suggestions and proposals that will now be taken away and processed with a view to stepping up the campaign and putting more people in touch with the issues at stake.

'Change attitudes'
"There are two key elements of the fight against racism, which has to be acknowledged as a serious problem within football and society," said UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson. "First, you have to raise awareness and change people's attitudes. A lot of people don't understand that there is a problem because they don't meet racism in their ordinary daily lives. It's important to make people realise that there is a problem and that they have a role to play in eradicating it.

Dangers of prejudice
"Also, awareness has to be raised in certain countries – whereas some countries may be aware of the issue because they have large ethnic communities, others are less aware. It is up to everyone to raise the issues and help increase knowledge throughout Europe." It was acknowledged at the conference that while hardened racists' attitudes may be impossible to change, youngsters in particular can be educated against the dangers of prejudice of any kind.

Stellar names
During the afternoon session, the stars on the pitch took centre stage. Stellar talents such as Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooij, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos have put their names behind the Stand Up, Speak Up campaign. It was agreed that players like these can bring their influence to bear, as they are role models for millions of young people – a vital target group in the anti-racist campaign.

Football heavyweights
In Barcelona, former Ghanaian international Anthony Baffoe was joined by footballing heavweights such as ex-Brazil ace Leonardo, former FC Barcelona idol and current Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoitchkov, ex-English professional Garth Crooks, the erstwhile Republic of Ireland coach Brian Kerr, and experienced Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen in a lively debate which centred, among other things, on how players, coaches and referees can make their mark in the campaign by speaking up when they see, or are the victims of, racist or other discriminatory conduct.

'Campaigning together'
"It was extremely important to bring together the whole football family," said UEFA communications and public affairs director William Gaillard. "Everyone recognises that racism is a problem within our sport and society – together it is possible to do something against racism, not only for football, but also for society at large." Delegates expressed the view that UEFA, as the governing body of European football, should take a leadership role in the campaign, with its 52 member associations called on to give valuable assistance at domestic level.