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01st December 2005
UEFA Executive Committee decleration against racism

Campaigners across Europe are urging members of the public to contact their local MEP asking them to sign a declaration against racism in European football.

The declaration was launched in Brussels on the 30th November, and commends the work of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network and calls for tougher action against those engaging in racial abuse.

The document, drawn up by Dutch MEP Emine Bozkurt, strongly condemns all forms of racism on and off the field, calls upon high profile players and coaches to speak up against the problem, and urges action programmes by FAs, leagues, clubs, players' unions and supporters' groups.

The declaration will achieve the rare status of a motion if more than half of the 732 MEP's in the parliament give their backing.

MEP joint proposal

The declaration is jointly proposed by Dutch MEP Emine Bozkurt with British MEPs Christopher Heaton-Harris and Claude Moraes, and Germans, Alexander Alvaro and Cem Ozdemir.

In a statement, the MEPs said, "It is a sad reflection on our world that racism continues to blight the beautiful game. Football is not the cause of racism, but it is in our stadiums and on our pitches that some of the most visible and violent abuse takes place.

"We should see this as an opportunity. The massive popularity of football presents us with the means to reach millions of people and, we must hope, to promote tolerance and understanding. By winning hearts and minds on the terraces and on the pitch, we make a crucial breakthrough in the bigger battle to free society of racism.

"No one government or organisation can fight racism alone. It demands the support of every part of society, of every individual. It is a problem that requires close co-operation between the public and private spheres. In the world of football, a similar picture exists. Each member of the family the associations, leagues, clubs, players, referees and supporters has its role to play. That is why our declaration calls for a joint effort from everyone that cares about football.

"We take great encouragement from the work of UEFA, FARE and the other organisations that are committed to fighting racism in football. They have understood that football has a special responsibility and again, an opportunity - to tackle the problem.

UEFA support

UEFA vice-president Per Ravn Omdal welcomed the move by the MEPs, noting that racism is a high priority for the organisation.

"We are prepared to implement the necessary sanctions, from fines and closure of stadium, and even to not allow teams to participate at all."

Omdal also called upon referees to take more action, "Those who did not wake up, you have to wake up - because the referee can do a lot in a specific game. Either to stop it, to listen, to report and eventually to abandon the game if that kind of abuse is taking place."

Racism 'still here'

Meanwhile, former Chelsea, Bari and Celtic player, Paul Elliott, who spoke at the declaration launch said that while racism was probably at its height in the 1970s and 1980s when he was pelted with bananas "it is still here".

"I hope in 20 years we won't still be having this conversation."

If the declaration gets the approval of a majority of MEPs it will become an official motion.

Download the declaration here.

Find out who your MEP is and his/ her contact details here.