Stories making the News

17th October 2006

UEFA - High profile for Action Week

Anti-racism activities will take place at this week's UEFA Champions League matches as part of the seventh FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) Action Week against racism and discrimination, which begins today and continues until 30 October.

United against racism
Activities will include the captains of all the teams wearing Unite Against Racism armbands, player-escort children sporting Unite Against Racism T-shirts, announcements being made to fans in stadiums over the loudspeaker calling for opposition to all forms of racism, and Unite Against Racism adverts being placed in matchday programmes as well as the official UEFA Champions League magazine Champions.

FARE partnership
Such activities have been going on for several years, as UEFA has consolidated its partnership with the FARE network since the 2000/01 season by way of financial support - including UEFA's 2001 charity cheque worth CHF1m (€629,000) - conferences, publications and campaigns. A new guide published by FARE and UEFA advises clubs on dealing with racist conduct on and off the field. Click here to read the guide, Tackling racism in club football.

Lobbying activities
The annual FARE Action Week has become Europe's major anti-racism campaign in football. This year will involve lobbying activities by supporters, players, clubs, associations, minority organisations, anti-discrimination groups, youth centres, schools and the sports media. Participation by ethnic minorities and migrants, inclusion of women and girls in the game, and action against homophobia in football are all on the agenda.

UEFA proud backers
"UEFA is proud to be backing FARE Action Week against racism and discrimination," said UEFA President Lennart Johansson. "We appreciate the opportunity to underline our unwavering commitment to eradicating racism in our game. We know racism can't be beaten in a single week, but we hope these activities will be a catalyst that engages more and more members of the football family in the fights against racism and discrimination."

Unique coming together
Piara Powar, the director of FARE's UK partner Kick It Out, added: "As a unique coming together of the football family - from fan groups, migrants and ethnic minorities, to the biggest clubs in the game - the FARE Action Week is a statement as to the type of sport we all want to be involved with. The importance of an inclusive and discrimination-free game that actively reaches out to all communities is our goal. With the support of UEFA we know these ends are achievable."

Source: UEFA