FARE focus on EURO games

The Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network - UEFA's partner in the fight against racism and intolerance in the game - begins its annual Action Week today, with the focus on activities at several UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying matches.

Qualifying matches
At the Group C match between Bosnia-Herzegovina against Norway, players will present a banner saying: "No to Racism, stop Nationalism." In Malta, children will wear T-shirts with an anti-racist message, and Malta and Moldova teams will show a red card to racism when they line up before their Group C game. The team captains of the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus will wear 'Unite Against Racism' logos at the Group D encounter, and a banner with an anti-racism message will be displayed in front of the players of Ukraine and the Faroe Islands at the Group B match in Kiev.

Innsbruck activities
At the friendly match between Austria and Ivory Coast in Innsbruck, the team captains will read statements against racism. Youngsters will wear T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan 'One Ball - One World', and official announcements about the FARE Action Week will be made over the public address system.

Symbolic stand
The FARE Action Week is the focus of European football's symbolic stand against racism and discrimination. Activities are designed to raise awareness of the issue and underline football's determination to tackle the problem. Initiatives are led by campaigning NGOs, fan groups, clubs, national associations, ethnic minorities, youth groups and schools. In all, more than 2,000 activities will take place in 37 European countries. The campaign will also be highlighted at next week's UEFA Champions League matches.

Further details
For further details on the FARE Action Week and a list of activities, refer to www.farenet.org. Information is available in English, German, Italian and French. Formed in 1999 The Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network was formed in 1999 by fan groups and NGOs concerned at the rising tide of racism and far-right groups in European football. Key activities include the Mondiali Antirazzisti (Anti-Racism World Cup) in Italy every July, grassroots activities by fans and ethnic minority and migrant associations, and lobbying for change by those running the game.

Finals programme
Building on the success in Portugal in 2004, UEFA and the FARE network are preparing an anti-racism programme of activities at UEFA EURO 2008™. The aim is to promote and convey the positive message of fighting discrimination in and outside the stadiums.