FIFA Days Against Racism give strong and positive political leadership
On 28 June 2006 FIFA launched a series of high profile anti-racism activities at each quarter-final of the World Cup. The initiatives include declarations by team captains to combat racism and a call on broader society to support this aim. The EUMC very much welcomes these statements of intent and joins the call to broader society to engage actively with football authorities and anti-racism organisations in their society to turn these words into effective action. The EUMC together with the German Government, the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network had previously called for strong and visible action during the tournament as a kick off to much wider and sustainable action, and asked for a special day on racism.
The EUMC underscored the power of sport and its impact on behaviour and attitudes. Sport can make a difference and the governing bodies of football have a responsibility and duty to ensure that difference has a positive impact on society. A limited number of football clubs and national associations have taken up this challenge and are doing impressive and influential work in their communities to promote racial equality. The football family needs to learn from them and build on their successes.
The EUMC itself will publish a template on action to promote racial equality and combat racism at the club and National Association level later in 2006. It will build on good practice and be made available to football clubs and National Associations.
