Europe unites against racism

UEFA's flagship club competition, the UEFA Champions League, this week provides a high-profile platform for the Action Week being staged by the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network.

No place
Europe's top football stars are helping to spread the message that racism and discrimination have no place in European football. All 32 teams taking part in the UEFA Champions League are showing their opposition to racism as part of UEFA's contribution to the FARE Action Week.

Tuesday and Wednesday
At matches both last night and tonight, announcements are being made over stadium public address systems; captains are wearing Unite Against Racism armbands; Unite Against Racism logos are appearing on stadium screens; and children escorting players on to the pitch are wearing Unite Against Racism t-shirts. In addition, clubs are distributing the FARE Action Week poster, which is being made available in all stadiums. These and other activities will put over the message that everyone in football - players, fans, referees, coaches, governing bodies and media - has to take a stand against racism and join the fight.

Fourth successive time
This year is the fourth successive time that the UEFA Champions League has got behind the Week of Action against racism and discrimination in European football. Since the inaugural edition in 2004/05, packed crowds have witnessed the anti-racism activities inside the stadiums.

Respect diversity
This year's tannoy announcement has been translated into 13 different languages and calls upon fans to respect the diversity in the game - sharing a love of football and a desire to make football stadiums welcoming places for all fans, regardless of the colour of their skin, ethnic origin or religion. UEFA calls on those who love football to join European football's governing body in supporting this initiative against racism, discrimination and violence.

Across Europe
Until 30 October, more than 1,000 activities and initiatives led by campaigning NGOs, fan groups, clubs, national associations, ethnic minorities, players' unions, youth groups and schools will take place in 38 European countries. In addition to the pan-European Champions League, professional domestic leagues across Europe are actively taking part in the FARE campaign.

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.