Webb continues fight against racism in football

(CNS): The FIFA Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination, chaired by FIFA Vice-President and CONCACAF President, Cayman's own Jeffrey Webb held another meeting at the home of FIFA in Zurich last week to discuss its education platform and measures. During the session deliberations focused on actions to be implemented following the landmark Resolution on the fight against racism and discrimination approved on 31 May at the 63rd FIFA Congress following an address from Webb. “This is not a battle of football but of human kind,” said Webb during his opening remarks. “We are grateful to have the support of all these experts who have joined the task force.”

He said, “It’s not s not only up to FIFA to implement the key decisions adopted by the Congress with regard to the fight against discrimination and racism. The implementation process needs to be fully supported by all member associations and society as a whole.” The Task Force analyzed prevention and education measures to further enhance the fight against discrimination, as well as the enforcement of sanctions to punish offences.

Headed by Webb, the group identified a number of key priorities such as the allocation of specific resources for the fight against racism and discrimination as well as the development of an anti-discrimination handbook to be provided to all Member Associations for best practice and training.

In addition the identification, recruitment and training of anti-discrimination officers, high-risk games and the engagement of anti-discrimination ambassadors has also been proposed along with a special award for achievements in the area of anti-discrimination.
The creation of the Task Force was announced by FIFA President Joseph Blatter in early March 2013, following a meeting of the FIFA Strategic Committee, as part of a series of measures to tackle the pressing issue of racism and discrimination in football.