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09th August 2007

8th FARE Action Week against Racism and Discrimination in European Football, 17-30 October

The annual FARE Action Week against Racism has grown over the last six seasons into Europe's biggest anti-racism campaign in football. This October, the 8th FARE Action Week (17-30 October 2007) will once again feature activities by fans, players, clubs, associations, minority organisations, anti-discrimination groups, youth centres, schools and the sports media.

Over the last decade some good progress has been made in challenging racism in the game, but by no means has it been eradicated. In several parts of Europe we still regularly witness the overt abuse of black and other minority players at both the professional and grassroots level of the game. Also migrants and ethnic minorities still feel excluded from the existing football structures within football federations, clubs and some fan clubs across Europe.

Against this backdrop the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network will call upon the European football family to come together in October for the European Action Week against Racism and Discrimination in Football. Last year more than 600 groups in 35 countries took part and as football's drive against racism continues to gain greater momentum we expect this year's Action Week to be even bigger, engaging more people than ever before. A highlight of the week of action will be the anti-racism activities at all the UEFA Champions League matches during this period.

The idea behind the FARE Action Week is that a wide range of initiatives and activities address local problems within their club or community, while also joining groups across the continent to present a unified stand against racism in the game.

The emphasis of the FARE Action Week this season is a call for:
* greater participation of ethnic minorities and migrants;
* inclusion of women and girls,
* action against homophobia in the game.

The FARE network also aims to encourage more groups in southern Europe to participate in the FARE Action Week. Moreover, in the course of the forthcoming Action Week FARE will support initiatives targeting homophobia and discrimination based on gender.

To make it easier for groups to organise anti-racism events and activities in and outside stadiums groups can apply on www.FAREnet.org (English, German, Italian, French) for financial assistance (max. 400 €, deadline 10. September 2007).

Even if you do not apply for financial help we count on your commitment and ability develop activities on your own, since you know the situation best. FARE partners in the various countries can be contacted to offer assist and support your planning and implementation. We look forward to learning about your ideas, initiatives and activities.

Source: FARE