Supporting the supporters
Monday, February 27, 2006
Article summary
The Nationwide FSF Fans' Embassy for England supporters at the FIFA World Cup was launched today.
Article body
England supporters are taking the initiative in ensuring the improvement in their reputation at major tournaments continues with the launch today of the Nationwide Football Supporters Federation (FSF) Fans' Embassy, attended by former England captain Tony Adams and two United Kingdom government ministers.
Information and support
In a scheme which dates back to the 1990 FIFA World Cup, a van will travel to the cities in Germany where England fans will be at this year's event providing advice, information and support, manned by volunteers from the England supporters' body FSF. A guidebook has also been produced with information about every host city, and helplines have been set up by both the FSF and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Back-up
Foreign Office minister Lord Triesman told uefa.com: "I would say to anyone who was a tourist in any city, and certainly during a big sporting event, that it is a mixture of enjoying yourself and being careful." He added that there will be a dedicated "football attaché" at the British Embassy in Berlin.
Credibility built up
FSF international co-ordinator Kevin Miles said: "This is by fans for fans. Over the years we have built up credibility." Miles added that he hopes English supporters will behave as they did at UEFA EURO 2004™, when their image changed from "animals to party animals".
'Reassuring presence'
Paul Goggins, minister with responsibility for security and crime, explained that, as with previous tournaments, known troublemakers would be prevented from travelling, and said the Fans' Embassy would "promote safety and enjoyment among travellers". The Fans' Embassy is being sponsored by UK building society Nationwide, and its spokesman Chris Hull said: "The Fans' Embassy will be a reassuring presence and vehicle for goodwill."
'Come a long way'
Adams, meanwhile, looked back to the 1988 UEFA European Championship at which he played in Germany, where English supporters were involved in trouble. "It was not a great experience," he said. "But we have come a long way on and off the pitch."
