Sofia on anti-racist track
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Article summary
The Bulgarian Football Union has hosted a major anti-racism conference.
Article body
National associations throughout Europe are addressing the problem of racism and intolerance – with the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) holding its first conference on the subject.
Major gathering
The BFU invited the country's 44 professional clubs to Sofia, in addition to fan groups, state officials, non-governmental organisations, players and high-profile athletes including Stefka Kostadinova, world-record holder in the women's high jump. Delegates were addressed by Valeriu Nicolae from Romania and Austria's Kurt Wachter, who both spoke on behalf of UEFA's partner, the Football Against Racism in Europe network.
Bulgaria's dedication
In his opening statement, BFU president Borislav Mihaylov – who captained Bulgaria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, when they finished fourth – stressed the dedication of his organisation to eradicating racism from the game. "A footballer is a footballer, irrespective of ethnic origin, skin colour or religion," he said.
Association pledge
Bulgarian football has had to endure its share of racist incidents, including monkey chants by fans and the displaying of racist banners – and the association, with UEFA's support, has pledged to address the problem in as determined a manner as possible.
Players' testimonies
At the conference, Bulgarian league players spoke of their experiences of racism and the response of team-mates and clubs alike. Moke Masena-Matele, the PFC Cherno More Varna forward from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said: "I have been in Bulgaria for seven years and today is the first time we are discussing the racism issue openly. I have experienced racist abuse, and if you are on the pitch you can't miss such an ugly thing. It spoils your concentration and you get depressed. I have also been abused by players from opposing teams."
Other players
Other players giving testimonies included: Bulgarian international Velizar Dimitrov; his Nigerian team-mate at PFC CSKA Sofia, Udoji Chigozie; PFC Litex Lovech's Brazilian midfielder Brito da Silva; and PFC Slavia Sofia's Nigerian striker Deniran Ortega.