On 30 June and 1 July 2006, FIFA held this year’s FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day to make a clear statement to people around the world about football’s united stance against racism.
July 4, 2006 (Press Release) --
On 30 June and 1 July 2006, FIFA will be using the platform of the world’s most popular sporting event – the FIFA World Cup™ – by holding this year’s FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day to make a clear statement to billions of people around the world about football’s united stance against racism. At all four quarter-final matches just before kick-off, both team captains will read a declaration to demonstrate a firm stance against racism, not only in football but also in society in general. Both teams and the match officials will also pose jointly with a banner displaying the unequivocal 'Say No to Racism' message as part of the official pre-match protocol.
Although rejection of any form of discrimination should apply all year round, the FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day gives the football family the opportunity to join together and raise its voice in condemning this blight on society around the world. “FIFA places great importance on respecting ethnic backgrounds. As the world’s most popular sport, football has the power to fight racism. Its integrative force helps to make people understand that skin colour has no impact whatsoever on our everyday routine, our lives, and our sport. Football is a school for life that must promote values of mutual understanding and coexistence,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
“We are very pleased to have been informed of this important FIFA initiative, Say No to Racism. This is a timely intervention on a major issue, which has still not been resolved. Sport can be a great power for good and can play a leading part in the fight for human rights. Although I cannot be with you in Germany, you have my full support,” said Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
“It was courageous of FIFA to take this step. The world governing body of football did not need to dedicate this powerful platform to the fight against racism. It is clear that this event will not solve the problem but it sends a clear message. This project touches us all and it is great that FIFA supports our combat,” stressed Tokyo Sexwale, South African human rights activist and member of the 2010 World Cup Organising Committee.
Source: http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
Although rejection of any form of discrimination should apply all year round, the FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day gives the football family the opportunity to join together and raise its voice in condemning this blight on society around the world. “FIFA places great importance on respecting ethnic backgrounds. As the world’s most popular sport, football has the power to fight racism. Its integrative force helps to make people understand that skin colour has no impact whatsoever on our everyday routine, our lives, and our sport. Football is a school for life that must promote values of mutual understanding and coexistence,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
“We are very pleased to have been informed of this important FIFA initiative, Say No to Racism. This is a timely intervention on a major issue, which has still not been resolved. Sport can be a great power for good and can play a leading part in the fight for human rights. Although I cannot be with you in Germany, you have my full support,” said Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
“It was courageous of FIFA to take this step. The world governing body of football did not need to dedicate this powerful platform to the fight against racism. It is clear that this event will not solve the problem but it sends a clear message. This project touches us all and it is great that FIFA supports our combat,” stressed Tokyo Sexwale, South African human rights activist and member of the 2010 World Cup Organising Committee.
Source: http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
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