Semis promote anti-racism message

The ongoing efforts to rid football of racism and discrimination will be the focal point of the build-up to both UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-finals.

Activities
Before the matches begin, in Basel on Wednesday and in Vienna on Thursday, a range of events will take place under the Unite Against Racism initiative – including a message from team captains after the national anthems, and audience participation with multi-coloured bibs for each spectator to wear before kick-off.

President's message
UEFA President Michel Platini has welcomed the activities. "The Unite Against Racism campaign serves to demonstrate our respect for diversity," Mr Platini said. "We're determined to ensure that major footballing events like the EURO are played in an environment of harmony and respect." The Unite Against Racism programme is run by the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network with UEFA's backing, as well as with the support of the professional players' union FIFPro.

Spectator input
Fans at the semi-finals will find a bib on their seat which they will be asked to put on to take part in a choreographed Mexican wave around the stadium, prompted by the stadium announcer, as the players are warming up – and again just before they come out on to the pitch. The latter moment will be included in the television feed for an international audience. UEFA Social Responsibility manager Patrick Gasser said: "This wave will see everyone in both stadiums displaying the Unite Against Racism logo and it will be on international television, sending out the message that discrimination is not acceptable in football."

Captains' message
The four captains will then take up the baton just before kick-off with their statement which will read: "I and my team-mates wish to make clear that we stand against all forms of discrimination. We have seen over the last three weeks how football can bring people together to enjoy our common passion whatever our religion, nationality or skin colour. Please join us to Unite Against Racism." Each of the skippers will also wear a captain's armband displaying the Unite Against Racism logo.

Imagination captured
The campaign has had a strong presence throughout the tournament and Piara Powar, from UK FARE member Kick It Out, has welcomed its impact. "The Unite Against Racism campaign has captured fans' imaginations through its visible presence inside and outside stadiums," he said. "The semi-final captains' speeches will reinforce the importance of tackling discrimination in all its forms." Supporters will also participate in more pre-match activity before the final itself as part of the Respect initiative which has also run during UEFA EURO 2008™ – each spectator will be given two glow sticks which they will clap together for respect.

Campaign details
The Unite Against Racism logo is visible not only on the captains' armbands but also on the perimeter boards in the stadiums, the match tickets, the ball-boys and ball-girls' bibs as well as on the stewards and substitutes' bibs. The campaign has also had an advertising spot broadcast at every game – Different Languages, One Goal: No To Racism. The project's profile has been given an added boost by Hublot, a national supporter in both Austria and Switzerland, which has dedicated its pitchside advertising space to the campaign. UEFA is supporting the scheme with CHF500,000 (€312,500). The UEFA EURO 2008™ Unite Against Racism campaign was launched on the tournament's first day, 7 June, at the Hilton Hotel in Basel. The key gathering brought together representatives of UEFA and FARE, former footballers, administrators and non-government organisations.

For further information, visit farenet.org.