Football against discrimination
(FIFA.com) 6 July 2001

The first ever FIFA Conference against Racism (6 July 2001) handed down a unanimous resolution against any kind of discrimination in the game, underlining the unwavering commitment of football's world governing body to kick racism out of the game for good. Also at the Buenos Aires conference, the opportunity was taken to introduce a FIFA Fair Play Day to combat all manner of racism and discrimination.

Football, the most popular team sport in the world, stands for solidarity, respect and generosity. A football club unites players of different origins and contrasting backgrounds in an environment where racism and discrimination have no place.

Of course, this plague that affects not just football but society as a whole, cannot be eradicated by the efforts of the footballing fraternity alone. Nevertheless FIFA is doing everything in its power to wipe it out. The resolution adopted against racism should not be considered an end but rather a giant step in a vigorous and ongoing struggle. It would be both naïve and irresponsible not to continue the fight. Neither shall FIFA be content to merely make speeches; world football's governing body intends to back up its words with swift actions. To this end, the FIFA Executive Committee established a Committee for Security Matters and Fair Play in September 2002 with a principle aim of combating discrimination.

FIFA will be working unstintingly to instil respect for others, both off the field as well as on, and anyone caught offside, as it were, will be severely reprimanded. Let us not forget that fair play is the very essence of our universal game.