UEFA supports faith summit
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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UEFA is backing a London meeting discussing zero tolerance to Islamophobic and anti-Semitic abuse.
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UEFA has given its support to a faith summit in London today during which a zero tolerance approach to Islamophobic and anti-Semitic abuse will be under discussion.
United way forward
The Football Association (FA), Premier League and the Metropolitan Police Service are meeting with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the National Association of Muslim Police and around 100 invited delegates to discuss a united way forward to combat abuse. Football already has stringent disciplinary processes for dealing with abuse, but it is suspected that incidents often go unreported. Faith leaders, community groups and the football authorities have been invited to attend the summit.
'Zero tolerance'
William Gaillard, senior adviser to UEFA President Michel Platini, said: "UEFA is delighted to support this initiative by the FA on combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in English football. Anti-Semitism still exists in European football and there are also incidents of Islamophobia. UEFA believes that football should be played and watched by everyone regardless of their background and we believe in zero tolerance for abuse, strong sanctions where it happens and positive communication in order to spread understanding and respect among players, spectators and everyone involved in the game."
