Football boss says discrimination still shocking

(CNS): Cayman’s international football boss, Jeffrey Webb said this week that it was still “shocking to see” the discrimination in the game. Chair of the Anti-Racism and Discrimination Task Force, the FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President said it needed the support of clubs, member associations, NGOs and campaign groups to help the task force tackle the issue. Meeting in Switzerland this week the task force discussed strategies for strengthening education and sanction measures in football. The task force also revealed plans not only to reinforce monitoring and mechanisms to tackle discrimination but the appointment of anti-discrimination officers for tournaments.

“It is shocking to see how we still face cases of discrimination in football on a regular basis," said Webb.  "The appointment and training of anti-discrimination officers as well as the publication of a handbook of good practices will be two important steps in the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination. Both measures send out a concrete message. Now we need the full support from clubs, member associations, NGOs and campaign groups.

Further measures in the fight against discrimination include the publication of a handbook of good practices that will be distributed to FIFA member associations in 2015, guiding them to foster diversity and anti-discrimination in football in their respective countries. The handbook will include information and best practices on policy, education, sanctions and cooperation with civil society partners.

“The Anti-Racism and Discrimination Task Force and Jeffrey Webb, as its Chairman, have the full support of FIFA and its administration,” said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, emphasizing the need for strong measures in order to achieve concrete results, as discrimination impacts heavily on the image and enjoyment of the game.

The Task Force which includes representatives from the United Nations, NGOs, players, coaches, referees, media, legal and member associations, among others, agreed on the importance to use the 2018 FIFA World Cup asa platform to raise awareness on the issue and showcase FIFA’s zero tolerance policy against any form of discrimination.

“It was an interesting discussion about concrete measures to combat racism and discrimination. Together with FIFA and the other stakeholders, we are developing a plan that will encompass all areas concerning the fight against discrimination,” said Alexander Djordjadze, Deputy CEO of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Local Organizing Committee.

Piara Powar, CEO of Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) added that there was a very mature and intense debate at the meeting. “Which is a good sign: it means that the Task Force is getting beneath the skin of the issues that face us. This bodes well in terms of getting a clear direction to football around the globe, which in the end is what FIFA is about,” he said.

The Task Force was also handed for their review and feedback the first edition of CONCACAF Diversity Handbook, which gathers educational information and practical resources from leading international organizations to promote inclusiveness within the football family.

The FIFA Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination was announced by FIFA President Joseph Blatter in March of 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.