Clubs celebrate ‘Football People’ during European games
Del Bosque and Platini offer support to biggest social project in sport
Spain coach Vincent Del Bosque this week gave his support for a period of activities that have become one of the biggest social projects in sport.
The boost from the Spanish legend came as the UEFA Champions League and Europa League games featured messages and activities in support of the period at 41 European games this week.
The Football People Action Weeks feature activities in football by fans, community groups, players, clubs and local authorities in a united stand against discrimination and a celebration of the diversity of the European game.
The activities run by members of the FARE Network, feature exhibitions, panel discussions, fan choreographies, football tournaments and for the first time, a flash mob. All activities will be geared towards tackling exclusion and sending out an anti- discrimination message.
High- level support
Vincent Del Bosque said, "We cannot judge people based on their background. To me harmony amongst a group is everything; we cannot allow individuals to be isolated because of their background or race.
“We cannot and must not be cautious in challenging this problem, our future depends on it. I support the FARE action weeks.”
UEFA President Michel Platini threw the weight of UEFA behind it by saying, “I am proud to be part of the ‘Football People’ campaign which highlights UEFA's commitment to tackling discrimination in football in partnership with the FARE network for over 10 years.
“We have worked side by side the FARE network on what is a central pillar in European football and will continue to strive towards a respect for diversity in the game.”
Highlights from week one
Highlights of action during the past week have included activities at top- level matches in Austria, England, France, Greece, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Switzerland, Slovakia, Spain and Wales.
In Spain a major conference, ‘Sharing Values’ attracted big names from Spanish football including Vincent Del Bosque, Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro, current Spain and Malaga midfielder Santi Cazorla, Sevilla forward Frederic Kanoute and FA President Angel Villar Ilona.
In Poland, Slovakia, Macedonia, the Netherlands and the UK activities involving current and former players have been taking place.
A feature of many activities has been the involvement of the Roma and messages against homophobia.
Notes to editors
• For further information contact +44 20 7193 0156 or info@farenet.org
• FARE is a network of groups established in 1999, which includes fans, community and NGO groups, player unions and football associations
• The core mission of the network is to tackle discrimination and social exclusion, within football and in society. Discrimination on the grounds of racism and homophobia are core concerns with abuse inside stadiums and the lack of diversity in high level positions a key area of activity
• FARE is a social responsibility partner of UEFA
• Full details and lists of activities of the Action Weeks are available on www.farenet.org
Piara Powar
Executive Director | FARE
T:+44 207 193 0156
www.farenet.org
• FARE is a network of groups established in 1999, which includes fans, community and NGO groups, player unions and football associations
• The core mission of the network is to tackle discrimination and social exclusion, within football and in society. Discrimination on the grounds of racism and homophobia are core concerns with abuse inside stadiums and the lack of diversity in high level positions a key area of activity
• FARE is a social responsibility partner of UEFA
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