FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged FIFA’s European Member Associations to collaborate with FIFA in intensifying the battle against racism in football in a unified manner.He called for joint efforts to devise more robust measures, which will be presented as a proposal at the FIFA Congress in May.##NAJAVA_MECA_7899440##Addressing the 48th Ordinary UEFA Congress in Paris, France, Mr. Infantino urged the 55 European Member Associations of FIFA to work closely with the organization to formulate enhanced counter-measures.These measures would then be presented to all 211 FIFA Member Associations at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 17.”Football is often hailed as a unifying force, yet our world remains divided and hostile. In recent weeks and months, we’ve sadly witnessed numerous racist incidents. This is utterly unacceptable. We must put an end to this scourge and do everything within our power to combat it. Racism is not just wrong; it’s a crime, a terrible offense,” stated the FIFA President.”In addition to our ongoing efforts, I propose that we collaborate over the next three months leading up to the FIFA Congress in Bangkok in May. At this congress, let us unite and present a resolute resolution against racism, representing all 211 FIFA member countries. Let’s eradicate racism together, here and now, in a united front.”The FIFA President reminded delegates of FIFA’s existing ‘three-step plan,’ empowering referees to intervene in cases of racist abuse during matches. This plan allows referees to issue warnings to halt discriminatory behavior, suspend games, and, if necessary, abandon matches if such behavior persists.Mozzart Bet Cup: Police, Posta clash highlights Saturday Round of 32 actionMr. Infantino acknowledged that while these measures, implemented since 2018, were significant, they have not completely eradicated racism from football or society. He emphasized the need for a united approach to effectively address this issue.”I could stand here and address you, and you could nod in agreement, but racism persists. We must eliminate it, and while we have tools at our disposal, the problem lies in our fragmented approach due to different competition organizers and rules. Our current efforts are insufficient, and we must take responsibility for this.”FIFA has undertaken various initiatives to raise awareness, including the ‘No Discrimination’ campaign launched with the participation of national team captains and FIFA Legends. Additionally, the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS), introduced at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar two years ago, has actively reduced online abuse during FIFA tournaments.Furthermore, FIFA collaborates with the FARE network and various United Nations agencies to combat racism. However, Mr. Infantino emphasized the need to expand FIFA and football’s anti-racism efforts and impose stricter penalties on offenders.”Disciplinary actions should include forfeiting games for teams responsible for match abandonments due to racism. Criminal charges should be pursued against individuals engaging in racist behavior, and they should be banned from stadiums worldwide. We must also invest in education, as racism is a societal problem. However, this alone is not sufficient; it’s only part of the solution.”Action packed weekend as curtain falls on 2023 Kenya Hockey Union Leagues
